Regarding the Tokyo Paralympics holy fire relay that will be held in four prefectures, Shizuoka, Chiba, Saitama, and Tokyo from 17th this month, Governor Ohno of Saitama Prefecture announced a policy to cancel the relay on public roads and hold an alternative event. Did.

The Tokyo Paralympic Torch Relay will be held in 35 local governments in four prefectures, Shizuoka, Chiba, Saitama, and Tokyo, where the competition will be held from 17th this month.



Of these, in Saitama Prefecture, after the "fire-firing ceremony" that started the fire on the 19th of this month, about 140 runners were scheduled to hold a torch relay to visit six cities and towns in the prefecture.



However, Governor Ohno announced at a press conference on the 3rd that he would stop relaying on public roads in all sections due to the declaration of an emergency due to the spread of the new coronavirus.



Saitama Prefecture has a policy of holding an event to connect the torch with no spectators at the venue in Asaka City, which was the goal point of the torch relay, and will coordinate with the Games Organizing Committee in the future.



In addition, the "fire ceremony" will be held as scheduled in 17 municipalities, and the "fire collection ceremony" to collect the fire will be held at the venue in Asaka City, where the torch relay event will be held.



Governor Ohno said, "I am very sorry for the runners who were looking forward to the torch relay and the citizens of the prefecture who wanted to see it locally. It is important for the torch relay to inherit the spirit of the Paralympics. It's a ritual and will be broadcast on the Internet, so I want you to share the excitement and excitement at home and get excited. "