Tokyo 2020 organizers reveal schedule for Paralympics
“Both the Paralympic opening and closing ceremonies will start at 8 p.m., while the first gold medal will be awarded on Aug. 26 in the women’s cycling individual pursuit.”
Category: Paralympics
Tokyo Olympic organizers test accessibility for disabled people
“Shigeo Yoshihara, former Japanese Paralympian with visual impairment, said after the test competition, “I didn’t know which bus to ride, so I think it would be safer if there is a volunteer to guide.” ”
Paralympics marathon to start half hour earlier amid heat concerns
“In a move to limit athletes’ exposure to severe heat, the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games marathon will start at 6:30 a.m., half an hour earlier than originally planned, sources revealed Monday.”
Japan’s first talent agency for people with disabilities
“As the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games approaches, we’re seeing more diversity in the media. Opportunities are blossoming in the entertainment industry for people with disabilities.”
Long-forgotten films shed light on 1964 Tokyo Paralympics
“The 1964 Paralympics were officially known as the “International Games for the Physically Handicapped,” but the Tokyo event marked the first time that the term “paralympics” came into wide, albeit then unofficial, use. It is now considered by the International Paralympic Committee to have been the second Paralympics after the 1960 Rome Games, which were also called the Paraplegic Olympics.”
Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games: Additional sports to be broadcast live
“The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has announced that a further five sports will be broadcast live from the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, bringing the total number to a record 21 disciplines from 19 sports.”
Koike Vows Barrier-Free City Legacy for 2020 Tokyo Games
“”In 2035, one out of three people in Japan will be elderly, aged 65 or older. Barrier-free is an important perspective for urban development in Tokyo, where the number of elderly will increase,” Koike said in an interview with Jiji Press.”
Hotels slow to introduce Barrier-Free rooms for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics
“Hotel operators in Tokyo have been slow to respond to the calls from the Japanese and Tokyo metropolitan governments to step up the introduction of barrier-free guest rooms ahead of the 2020 Olympics and Paralympics in the Japanese capital, leading to complaints by some wheelchair users that there are not enough rooms they can use. Keio Plaza Hotel in Shinjuku, central Tokyo, is one exception.”
NHK makes pledges to Tokyo 2020 audiences
“With the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games fast approaching, Japanese broadcaster NHK has revealed a “four pledge” goal to provide their audience with high-quality services that would help shape the future of the public media of 2020 and beyond.”
Tokyo Holds Meeting for Paralympics, Barrier-Free Society
“ “We hope to make a success of the Paralympics and leave a legacy by making our society an easier place for anyone to live,” Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike, who chairs the conference, said at the opening of the meeting.”
Barrier Free Japan 