Kyoto's Shimogyo Ward to host free urban sports events for children in summer 2026

Tokyo‑based Jigen Co. and Kyoto‑based Over Thumpz are partnering with the Shimogyo Ward of Kyoto to continue the "Shimogyo Urban Sports Challenge" for the 2026 season. The program will run from August 2026 through January 2027 and offers free 3×3 basketball sessions, double‑Dutch rope‑skipping activities, and parent‑child stretch classes for preschool‑age and elementary‑school children.

The 3×3 sessions will be led by Jigen’s professional team ZIGEXN Updaters, while the double‑Dutch activities will be run by Over Thumpz’s professional team NEWTRAD. Applications open on 4 August; participants are selected by lottery if demand exceeds capacity. The events are open to all residents of Kyoto city and, for the first time, to participants from outside the ward.

In its first year (2025‑2026) the challenge held seven sessions, attracted over 200 children, and received coverage on local TV stations such as J:COM and KBS Kyoto. The final event was held on 14 February 2026 at the Shimogyo community gym, featuring exhibition matches and skill showcases.