At the forefront of these efforts was the "Children's Third Place" initiative—a beacon of hope designed to establish havens of tranquillity for children facing challenging circumstances. In this endeavour, children from two bases in the Kyushu region were granted the opportunity to attend the World Aquatics Championships.

At the vibrant venue of the World Aquatics Championships held in Fukuoka, a spectacle of pure passion was on display. Unlike the Tokyo 2020 Games, which took place without spectators, the children's animated eyes and spirited cheers painted a vivid scene. Families, avid supporters, and school groups were all part of the enthusiastic audience that witnessed top-tier athletes demonstrating unwavering dedication.

Image Source: Mike Lewis/World Aquatics

However, a particular programme captured attention, shedding light on a pressing social issue. Even within Japan's mature society, the "experience gap" among children remains an issue of paramount concern. It's evident that not all children have equal access to various activities due to disparities in their home environments. Two Kyushu-based centers, out of a total of 173 "Children's Third Place" locations nationwide (as of June 2023), extended an invitation to children who are part of the programme.

Image Source: Wataru Ninomiya/World Aquatics

The collaboration between The Nippon Foundation, the driving force behind "Children's Third Place," and NIKON, a partner of the World Aquatics, materialised as an extraordinary opportunity for these children. They not only had the privilege to witness world-class competitions, but also to take a backyard tour generally unseen by the public, such as the pool deck, podium, and mixed zone. This unique backstage pass unveiled the lesser-known dimensions of the championships. At the podium, the children had the chance to feel the weight of the medals and were captivated by their gleam.

Image Source: Morgan Hancock/World Aquatics

One of the participants, Erina Makata, who is hearing-impaired, carries a lifelong bond with swimming. Reflecting on her experience, she revealed, "I've been swimming since I was a baby, so witnessing an international swimming competition for the first time was exciting." Her excitements were further kindled as she herself was scheduled to participate in a swimming competition the very next day. She added, “The medals were not only beautiful but also surprisingly heavy. Observing all the gold, silver, and bronze medals made me truly happy." When asked about her impressions of the races, she shared, "Rikako Ikee's swimming left a lasting impression. I aspire to swim in a similar arena and to one day secure a medal for myself."

Image Source: Rikako Ikee after the 50m Butterfly heats (Mike Lewis/World Aquatics)

Beyond the realm of mere spectators, the programme has a deeper layer. Leveraging NIKON's expertise in optical equipment, the initiative seamlessly integrated a camera photography workshop in the water polo warm-up pool, as well as hands-on microscopy sessions at the NIKON booth. These engaging activities sparked curiosity, providing an immersive learning experience for the young participants.

Another participant, Masaki Takahashi, effused excitement as he shared, Exploring the event's behind-the-scenes operations, using microscopes, and witnessing world-class swimmers in action were all incredibly enjoyable." As he handled the camera, he confessed to feeling like a genuine photographer, and the results spoke for themselves: "The camera was a bit heavy, but the photos turned out great."

Image Source: Mike Lewis/World Aquatics

Participating in an international competition that unites world-class athletes and their devoted supporters offered these children an unparalleled experience. Among the myriad ways partnerships contribute, providing hands-on opportunities remains a cornerstone of the initiative. Through these transformative experiences, a beacon of hope is cast upon the future of these children, brimming with promise.

The "Children's Third Place" initiative proves to be a transformative force in the lives of children, bridging gaps and expanding horizons. By nurturing curiosity, enabling unique encounters, and fostering dreams, it empowers the younger generation to stride confidently towards their aspirations. As the project continues to unfold its chapters, it paves a path of growth and inspiration, brightening the path for the future of children across Japan.