Tokyo Para Sports Staff Certified Person Interview (3) Boccia Trainer Kanae Maeno (2019/2/18)
- Kanae Maeno Born in 1984.She belongs to Sports Sensing Co., Ltd.
- While working as a physical therapist in pediatric rehabilitation, she has been participating in training camps for the Japanese boccia team as a trainer since 2013, and has since accompanied her to numerous international tournaments.He focuses on supporting players in boccia and para sports.
Trainers provide support for para-athletes, including conditioning care, training guidance, and daily life assistance.We interviewed Kanae Maeno, who is fascinated by boccia and supports the players as a trainer and physical therapist.
“As a trainer who is close to the players, I try to provide close support.”
``When I go on an overseas trip, I just try to enjoy the happenings. ”
~What is the role of a boccia trainer? ~
The main thing is physical conditioning care, and we prepare the body so that it can compete in its best condition.I also think about training methods and give advice on how to use my body and posture while watching pitching movements. (Especially in Boccia, where there are many players with severe disabilities) Living assistance also plays a major role.These athletes require assistance with everything from going to the toilet, taking a bath, eating, changing clothes, etc., so by being there to support them and observing their daily activities, I can get a good idea of their conditions that day.In order to help the athletes lead a stress-free life, I try to avoid putting any unnecessary burden on the athletes (such as mental fatigue) as much as possible when providing assistance.
～When did you become involved as a trainer? ~
About 10 years ago, when I was working as a physical therapist at a children's facility, I participated in physio support for the Japan Boccia Championships.At first, my main goal was to let the children I usually work with in rehabilitation learn about the fun of sports such as boccia, but as I continued playing it, I became drawn to the fun of it as a competition.Then, I wanted to support athletes, so after the London 2012 Paralympics, around 2013 I started working as a full-fledged trainer, participating in training camps for the Japanese national team and accompanying them on overseas expeditions.
~It may be physically demanding at times, but what do you think? ~
When you go on a road trip, there are many restrictions on your time schedule.
Basically, I spend the night with the athletes and live with them, but the daily routine starts with daily assistance starting from the time they wake up, going to the competition venue to get them conditioned and up for the match, and returning to their dorms to eat and bathe. The staff will provide daily life assistance, cool down before bedtime, and have a meeting after the players have gone to bed.By the time we go to bed, the date has changed, and the next day we wake up around 1 or 4 o'clock (lol).Domestic training camps last about two nights, but overseas trips last one to two weeks, so it's a test of physical strength.
Also, going on an expedition is not an easy task.Happenings are inevitable, and various measures need to be taken starting from the flight.Some athletes with severe disabilities are on ventilators or have difficulty maintaining their posture on their own, so they have to check in their wheelchairs, get on the plane, and stay on the plane during the flight. We will discuss with you and the staff how to set your posture.Wheelchairs are important equipment used in competitions, so we carefully pack them before transporting them, but sometimes the luggage gets lost or damaged. (laughs)All I'm thinking about is how much we can enjoy the incident while keeping the players from getting upset.
The biggest problem when visiting a foreign country is the water facilities, such as baths and toilets, and compared to Japan, many places lack the facilities.When we arrive at the dormitory or competition venue, we first check the flow lines and facilities, and work to make sure that the athletes can relax as much as possible, while also reducing the burden on us as caregivers.Also, since local meals may not suit the players, we always have ready-to-eat Japanese food available, which not only provides energy, but also soothes the players with Japanese flavor.
In addition, even when it comes to transportation to competition venues, the number of athletes that can be transported at one time is limited by conditions such as the type of vehicle and how many wheelchairs it can carry. Your care schedule will also change.If it's an early morning game, you have to take care of yourself in the car to save time, or you have to do taping at your dorm before heading out.This is the time schedule that is unique to parasports, and this is the best part of traveling, and I think it's also a tough part. I think so (laughs).
“If you are tired from work, you can refresh yourself through work. ”
～How do you balance being a physical therapist and a trainer? ~
Until last year, as my main job as a physical therapist, I worked at the office five days a week, and attended training camps and practice sessions on Saturdays and Sundays.However, paid vacation alone was not enough to participate in the expeditions that occur about three times a year, and since I was in a privileged workplace, they allowed me to take time off.However, I started to feel sorry for the increase in absenteeism and my position, so I started working part-time this year, and with the help of various people, I was able to change my system to one that makes it easier for me to move as a trainer.I moved from Aichi to Kanto by myself and am currently focusing on activities as a staff member in preparation for the Tokyo 5 Paralympic Games.
～How do you refresh yourself when you are tired from work or supporting competitions? ~
I like work, so when I feel tired from work, I feel refreshed through work (lol).In competition support, I often interact with adults, so in my main job, which is pediatric rehabilitation, I am able to heal by interacting with children.Also, when I have free time, I ask top players to play against me, even if it's rude, but I never win (lol).That's how I refresh myself.On my few days off, I just sleep.The golden rule is to rest when you can and recover your physical strength.
～Is there anything you keep in mind as a trainer? ~
What I keep in mind is never to coach anything related to tactics or the content of the match.
Both coaches and trainers are team members who support the players, but we want to ensure that their roles are clearly divided.
As a trainer, my main job is to keep the athletes in good physical condition, but I believe that in order for athletes to be in their best condition for the competition, they must also be mentally conditioned to be able to demonstrate their full potential in the competition.During the cool-down during an away trip, we take a slightly longer time and ask the players to talk slowly about what they felt and thought during the game, and we understand not only their physical condition that day but also their emotional state. As someone who is close to the community, I try to be close to them and provide them with the support they need.
``Staff members are sometimes like family and comrades.'' ”
～How does it feel to be certified as a “Tokyo Parasports Staff”?Please let us know your enthusiasm for the future. ~
I am very happy that we were able to receive this certification as there are many para sports and we have a large number of staff members.There aren't many opportunities to shine the spotlight on our staff, so I would like to share information about the good things about parasports and boccia.
～What kind of existence do you think “staff” is? ~
In the case of boccia, I feel that I am especially close to the players because I share food, clothing, and shelter with them.The players often have to be helped on a daily basis, but when they step on the court, they take charge and I believe this is a place where they can shine.In some situations, the staff are like family members, and in competitive situations, they are comrades who fight together, and I hope they can stand alongside the athletes in any situation.
～Please tell us about the appeal of Boccia. ~
The appeal of Boccia is its simple rule: ``You win if your ball is closer to the white target ball than your opponent's ball,'' and its profound aspect that allows you to read ahead of your opponent and come up with strategies, just like in Shogi or Go.It's fun to watch, but it's also a really fun sport to actually try, so I'd like everyone to try it out.What's interesting about team games is that each player's individual personality comes out in how they attack.The fun of playing with your friends is also appealing, as you create strategies while communicating with your friends.
~If someone reading this article wants to try boccia, what should they do? ~
Recently, an increasing number of local special needs schools and sports centers for people with disabilities have bocce balls, so I think it would be a good idea to inquire at your local facility.Boccia associations have been established in various places, and trial sessions are held frequently, so I would be happy if you would like to participate.
~Please share your expectations and support for the athletes aiming to compete in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. ~
It has been two years since Japan's boccia team won the silver medal in the team competition at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. At the World Championships in August 2, we lost to the Thai national team, which is ranked number one in the world, but I feel that there is no difference in strength thanks to the daily efforts of all the players.It appears that the players' abilities are improving in the domestic tournaments as well, and I hope that the players will work together as good rivals and improve their skills in preparation for 2018.I think there are some people who are nervous since the tournament will be held in their own country, but I hope that the players will not get defensive and will always push forward with a spirit of challenge, and I want to do my best to support these players as well. I think.
Japan Boccia Association Home Page
Maeno-san always smiles and talks to the players as he takes care of them so that they can play in their best condition.Seeing the smiles on his faces, the players can't even say it hurts even when the stretches are a bit tough.Mr. Maeno not only took care of the players' bodies, but also made them feel relaxed.