History of International Abilympics

The 1st IA was held in Tokyo in 1981 to commemorate the United Nations' International Year of Disabled Persons. It received the wide support of both governmental and non-governmental organizations. His Imperial Highness, the Crown Prince (Present Emperor Emeritus and Empress Emerita of Japan) served as Patron of the 1st IA.

Japan has held the vocational skills contests for persons with disabilities since 1972 with the aims of improving the vocational skills of people with disabilities in order to promote their participation in socio-economic activities. The title "Abilympics" was coined from the phrase "Olympics of Abilities."

The Abilympics have helped to overturn traditional views in regard to the skills, potentials and abilities of disabled persons, resulting in increased employment opportunities and vocational stability.

The experience and expertise of Japan's National Abilympics was utilized at the 1st IA. In addition to the skills contests, there were various demonstrations as well as exhibitions and international seminars, all of which contributed to raise public awareness on the subject of persons with disabilities, their vast potential and the contribution that they can make to society.

The success of the 1st IA inspired Colombia to hold the 2nd IA in 1985. During this 2nd IA, it was proposed to establish an international organization in order to promote the IA and to hold it on a regular basis.

After many discussions held among people who had been involved in the IA, the International Abilympic Federation (IAF) was established during the 3rd IA held in Hong Kong. This was a big step forward in realizing the philosophy of the Abilympics.
　

After foundation of IAF, the IA has been spread worldwide. It was held in Perth, Australia (1995) and Prague, Czech Republic (2000). During the IA in Delhi, India (2003), IAF constitution was established as the fundamental rules of IAF.

In 2007, the 7th IA was held in Shizuoka, Japan concurrently for the first time with the WorldSkills International Competitions. This edition called “International Skills Festivals for All” became the historic event in the IA.

After that, the IA has been continuously held in Seoul, Korea (2011) and in Bordeaux, France (2016). Despite the global difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 10th IA was successfully held in Metz, France in March 2023 by France which hosted two consecutive events.

The IA continuously strive to win wide supports from all over the world in its endeavor to realize a society where people with and without disabilities have equal rights and opportunities especially in the employment field.