Prior to the opening of the Tokyo Paralympic Games on the 24th, Mr. Parsons, Chairman of the IPC = International Paralympic Committee, reiterated the idea that all athletes and stakeholders will comply with the guidelines for infection control of the new coronavirus. rice field.
Chairman Parsons held a meeting at the "Main Press Center" in Koto Ward, and said about the Tokyo Paralympics, which will be held after a year's postponement due to the influence of the new coronavirus, "The plan was not easy. However, infection control by the Olympics We also found that the "Playbook" guideline was effective. Stay alert and all athletes and stakeholders will comply with this guideline. "
The tournament will be attended by 161 countries and territories and refugee teams, making it the second largest number of teams ever after the 2012 London Games.
The Paralympics will be broadcast for the first time in 49 African countries and regions, and it is expected that more than 4.2 billion people, the highest number in the world, will watch TV.
Regarding this, Chairman Parsons said, "It is a tournament where people with disabilities who are left behind from society can be centered and their voices can be transmitted. Please enjoy watching the game on TV. And in a few years, a symbiotic society will spread in Japan. I want to expect that. "
In addition, Chairman Hashimoto of the Games Organizing Committee, who attended the meeting, said, "We will build infection control measures and protect athletes and related parties. We want to make the Games a success with this as the first priority. I want to bring it. "
Afghanistan flag also marches at the opening ceremony
IPC Chairman Parsons revealed at the opening ceremony on the 24th that flag bearers will participate in the march of athletes about Afghanistan, which has abandoned participation in the Tokyo Paralympics due to the de facto collapse of the administration. Did.
This is decided by the IPC Board of Directors and will be flagged by officials from the UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees).
"I'm sorry that the players couldn't participate in the tournament, but I want to show that my heart is together," said Parsons.