Category: Tokyo 2020

“”We’re nowhere near the number. There’s no denying that we’re behind schedule,” said a representative of a Japanese disability organization.”

“While athletes will take center stage at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, volunteers — able-bodied and disabled — are expected to play a significant role in supporting spectators and others who will flock to the games.”

“Going on sale will be tickets for general audience, tickets for wheelchair users and accompanying people, and special tickets costing ¥2,020 apiece for groups including children or elderly people, or people with disabilities.”

“But when it comes to accommodation…everyone knows we have the issue of accessibility,” he said, highlighting transport and access to public buildings as areas that must be addressed.”

“The organizing committee for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games on Saturday 13th April unveiled the official sport pictograms for the Paralympics.”

“Jiji Press  conducted a telephone interview with Andrew Parsons, President of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), about the current situation, challenges, and significance of the event.”

“The Tokyo 2020 Paralympics Marathon event will feature a total of five classes, including a class for men and women with visual impairments (T12), male amputees (T46), and men and women’s wheelchair users  (T54). Athletes with visual impairment will be allowed to be accompanied by a guide runner. The players must hold the elbows of the guide runners or hold on the ropes and run, as they must not be separated by more than 50 cm.”

“”I want to show to the world Japan’s innovativeness, which allows even those with serious disabilities to participate in society,” said 54-year-old Hajime Takano, a resident of the Kanagawa Prefecture city of Kawasaki, south of Tokyo. He hopes to become a volunteer in the service sector, such as directing visitors to their destinations. “