Torch takeover ceremony stops sending children to Greece

Torch takeover ceremony Cancels dispatch of children to Greece March 6 18:31

Japanese elementary and junior high school students and high school students who were planning to perform dance and other cultural performances at the takeover ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics in Greece this month will be discontinued due to the spread of the new coronavirus infection became.

At the torch takeover ceremony in Athens, Greece on the 19th of this month, about 140 children, including elementary and junior high school students and high school students from all over the country, will perform a cultural performance combining street dance performed by HIRO of EXILE. .

Mori, the chairman of the Tokyo Organizing Committee, will give top priority to child safety in the evening of March 6 in light of the government requesting temporary closure of schools nationwide to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus in Tokyo. Thought announced to discontinue dispatch to Greece.

Mr. Mori said, "It is a pity that the children have been unable to show their accomplishments until today, and I would like to talk with them if there is any other way for the Organizing Committee to cooperate." Was.

Mr. Mori will also stop participating in about 200 local elementary school students who were to serve as escorts when bringing the torch to the stage at the arrival ceremony in Miyagi Prefecture on the 20th when the torch arrives in Japan. Revealed.

Regarding the torch relay, the Organizing Committee will reduce the number of staff dispatched to the torch ceremony in Greece on 12th of this month and the start of the national torch relay in Fukushima Prefecture on 26th will be the scale of the ceremony. The effects of the spread of the new coronavirus, such as considering reduction, are spreading.

HIRO "I'm very sorry I want to support my child"

HIRO of EXILE, the director, commented on the suspension of the Japanese cultural performance at the torch ceremony.

HIRO said, “It is a judgment based on giving top priority to the health and safety of the children who will be performing. I don't think we should travel to Athens to perform. "

After that, "I'm very sorry when I think about the children who practiced everyday for the actual performance, but the efforts of the children and many people are rewarded, and the children grow further I would like to continue to provide solid support. "