Despite being “safe and secure” Tokyo Olympic Committee President Hashimoto refrains calling event a success with Paralympics in mind

By Barrier Free Japan, Kyodo via The Mainichi & NHK

August 8 2021

TOKYO – The President of the Tokyo Olympic organizing committee said Sunday the games were held without major incident and were a source of hope for the world despite the unprecedented challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic.

Wrapping up 17 days of the games, Seiko Hashimoto said the highest priority was given to ensuring they were delivered in a “safe and secure” manner by putting anti-coronavirus measures in place. She refrained, however, from declaring the event a success with an eye on the approaching Paralympics.

According to NHK, no decision has been made yet on whether to allow spectators at the Paralympic Games which are due to begin on August 24th and conclude on September 5th. Hashimoto said the decision will be made after appropriate consultation with the Tokyo and Japanese governments, and the International Paralympic Committee.