CSR Feature

Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd. supported the "Festival for Social Inclusion," hosted by the "Barça Foundation" that was established by FC Barcelona in 1994, held at the Arena Tachikawa Tachihi (Tachikawa, Tokyo) on July 22, 2019.

Social inclusion refers to a society designed for everyone to mutually support each other as members of society without being excluded, so that they can lead healthy and cultural lives.

The festival, participated by about 200 children with disabilities and instructors, aimed at conveying the five principal values that FC Barcelona cherishes including respect, effort, ambition, teamwork and humility, for the purpose of supporting children through sports and education, and contributing to a more egalitarian and inclusive society.

Also in present included Jordi Cardoner, first Vice-president of the Barça Foundation; Juliano Belletti, a former player of FC Barcelona; Kozo Tashima, President of the Japan Football Association (JFA); and Tsuyoshi Kitazawa, President of the Japan Inclusive Football Federation (JIFF).

Juliano Belletti, who made a special appearance at the kick-off ceremony for the festival, talked about his hopes for the children through his own experience by saying:
"I started playing soccer at the age of six, about the same age as you. I have made many friends and learned a lot through soccer. Today, I would like to enjoy the festival with all of you. I hope you will meet new friends and learn a lot from the festival.

During the activities of the festival, the "FutbolNet" methodology was used to help the children learn the five values.
In addition to enjoying a variety of activities, the children had a chance to make and try out their own rules, as well as sit in circles and discuss what they learned through the games. The venue was filled with the smiles and excitement of the children, who greatly enjoyed the activities and actively engaged in the discussions.

Juliano Belletti and Tsuyoshi Kitazawa were also on hand to participate in and enjoy the activities, wearing goggles that obstructed their vision to understand the experience of the children with visual impairments.

At the closing ceremony, the representatives of each organization took the podium to convey their thoughts and impressions about the festival and social inclusion.

Kozo Tashima, President of the Japan Football Association (JFA):

"I thought the JFA must learn from the Barça Foundation's approach, and the smiles on the children's faces definitely encouraged us to follow in their footsteps in Japan."

Tsuyoshi Kitazawa, President of the Japan Inclusive Football Federation (JIFF):

"We aim to create a society where people both with and without disablities can understand each other as a matter of course. That's exactly what happened here today."

Jordi Cardoner, first Vice-president of the Barça Foundation:

"I am so proud of you. You have evolved the rules of the games all on your own. I am deeply touched to have spent time with all of you."

The closing ceremony wrapped up with big smiles on the faces of the children who were given special medals by the representatives.

Konami Digital Entertainment will continue to spread the joy of soccer to children, who will lead the next generation, through these activities.