Fukuoka has been devoted to the construction of gymnasiums, swimming pools, and parks in every part of the city, and is making an effort to further enrich its recreation facilities. Not only does Fukuoka have full-scale facilities like Gannosu Recreation Center and Heiwadai Athletic Stadium, it also plays an active role in giving support to regional recreational clubs and coach-training initiatives. Fukuoka has produced many top international athletes in fields such as judo, while many Japanese and international athletes have made Fukuoka their training base. The local Fukuoka Yahoo! Japan Dome is home to the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks, a professional baseball team, while Avispa Fukuoka, a J-league soccer team, calls Hakata-no-mori stadium its home. Both of them are popular local teams. Apart from their professional careers, athletes also hold various regional volunteer activities in forms like sports seminars, which have achieved great popularity.
Fukuoka is also actively engaged in hosting international sports events and promoting transnational communication through these events. Fukuoka has in the past hosted the 2001 FIFA World Swimming Championships and the 1995 World Universiade Games. The operations and management of both events were highly spoken of all around the world. Besides hosting Sumo Kyushu Tournament every autumn, Fukuoka takes advantage of its coastal location to foster the development of aquatic sports. The world’s top athletes also gather in Fukuoka every December to compete in the Fukuoka International Open Marathon Championship.
- Picture 1. Citizens’ sports event, Fukuoka Marathon, grouped by distance and age, is attended by more than 10,000 people of all ages
- Picture 2. Fukuoka International Open Marathon Championship
- Picture 3. World Volleyball Tournament in Fukuoka
- Picture 4. Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks
- Picture 5. Avispa Fukuoka
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