Disaster Preparedness Sports Day (November 30, Sunday)

On Sunday, November 30, a unique event combining sports and disaster preparedness was held at Katsuta Secondary School. Katsuta Secondary School, Ibaraki National College of Technology, Hitachinaka International Association, and Ibaraki University worked together to create an opportunity for local residents, including foreign residents, to learn about disaster preparedness in an enjoyable way.

The Disaster Preparedness Sports Day adds elements of disaster awareness to the excitement of a traditional sports day. Foreign residents often face challenges during emergencies due to limited access to information. This event aimed to help them prepare for disasters while fostering interaction with the local community. Students from Ibaraki University participated as part of the iOP program, working alongside secondary school students to plan and organize the event. Preparations included weekly visits by university students to Katsuta Secondary School to coordinate activities.

On the day of the event, participants enjoyed activities such as self-introductions in Easy Japanese, explanations of disaster-related terms, a disaster quiz, and fun competitions like racing with slippers made from newspaper and carrying sandbags. The atmosphere was lively and filled with smiles.

Participants shared positive feedback, saying, “It was fun!” and “I learned a lot about disaster preparedness.” The event showed that learning about disaster safety can be both engaging and enjoyable.