Para climbing legend, Koichiro Kobayashi went blind at 28 from a degenerative eye disease and has since won gold medals around the world. To pursue his goals, he established Tokyo-based Monkey Magic, now supported by Laureus Sport for Good, that promotes free climbing among those with visual impairment.
The aim of the programme is to promote Para climbing and to increase the number of young people who are able to act on their own initiative in society. It also aims to increase the understanding of diversity across the country.
Monkey Magic is a non-profit organisation with the concept "Even invisible walls can be overcome”.
The programme believes that Para climbing is a lifelong sport that provides opportunities for people with disabilities to exercise. Climbing has physical, psychological and social benefits for people with disabilities, and can contribute to improving their quality of life, mutual understanding between people with different abilities, and promoting understanding of diversity in society.
By taking advantage of the characteristics of climbing, the programme hopes to create a more mature and prosperous society that recognises diversity regardless of disability, age, gender or culture.
