The Japanese team enters the Harvey Haddon Stadium during the open ceremonies in Nottingham
The World Cerebral Palsy Games have opened in a £16m redeveloped sports centre in Nottingham.
Four hundred athletes from 13 countries will compete in sports including table cricket, bowls and football.
Japanese footballer Tomoya Fukushima, 16, said the games were a chance to compete against the best players in the world.
Swimming and athletics competitions start at the Harvey Hadden sports complex on Thursday.
The opening ceremony on Sunday featured performances by Cirque Bijou, the Dance4 company and Unanima Theatre Company.
The English team will compete in the football competition at the University of Nottingham's Highfields pitch
Games event director, Alison Talbot, said: "For the athletes taking part, the World Games will likely be their first opportunity to compete at a national level - it will be quite an experience for these young athletes."
Nottingham City councillor, Dave Trimble, said: "We hope the Games do inspire others and leave a legacy to help make disability sport accessible to all."
Cerebral palsy can cause poor coordination and stiff muscles and can also result in trouble swallowing or speaking.
The two demonstration sports being introduced at the games, which run until 16 August, are para-taekwondo and table cricket.
- Published15 June 2015
- Published24 June 2015
