The Tokyo Paralympics will start on the 24th.
As the infection continues to spread in Japan, how far can we safely run the tournament, where some athletes are at risk of becoming seriously ill due to disabilities, and how far we have achieved the Paralympic philosophy of realizing a symbiotic society with all venues in principle unattended. It will be a tournament where you will be asked if you can do it.
The Tokyo Paralympics, which will be held for the second time in the same city for the first time in the world since the 1964 Tokyo Games, will open at the opening ceremony starting at 8:00 pm on the 24th, after a one-year postponement due to the spread of the new coronavirus infection. increase.
The tournament will run for 13 days and will be attended by a record number of 4,400 athletes, including 161 countries and territories and refugee teams. From 25th to 5th September, 22 competitions and 539 medals will be held. Compete.
At the Paralympics, athletes who are at risk of becoming seriously ill if infected due to disabilities or underlying diseases also participate, so the biggest issue is how thoroughly the infection can be contained while protecting the safety of athletes and related parties.
In addition, as a general rule, all venues will be unattended, and while there are many cautious opinions about watching children, we will promote understanding of disabilities through the appearance of athletes and realize a symbiotic society where everyone can live comfortably. The question is how far the Paralympic principles can be realized.
"The biggest goal of the Paralympic Games is to change the way society sees people with disabilities. I believe it will have a huge impact in Tokyo, in Japan and around the world," said Parsons, chairman of the IPC International Paralympic Committee. increase.
Japanese team leader Kawai "I want to manage the tournament safely"
Junichi Kawai, the team leader, responded to an interview with NHK at the start of the event, understanding that "there are various voices and opinions, and there are opinions that it is a very difficult situation" regarding the holding of the new corona as the infection continues to spread. Even under such circumstances, I would like to think about how I can do it, not what I can do, and manage to proceed with this tournament safely. "
Regarding watching children and students in a school collaboration where the pros and cons are divided, "Watching the Paralympics gives you a lens to look back at yourself and society, and you will notice something by changing your horizons and perspectives. Sometimes, when children find hints of human potential by themselves, they become irreplaceable memories and will definitely be useful for creating a symbiotic society in the future. Take risks only once in a lifetime. I want to reduce it, gain the understanding of local governments, children, parents, and school teachers, and manage to realize it. "
Regarding the goal of 20 gold medals as the goal of the Japanese team, "I want to create a state where I can say that I have put out what I have accumulated over the last 5 years, I have really focused on everything. I think it will lead to medals, so I would like to support the players so that they can play with all their might without regrets. "