IPC President Craven Presenting the Essence of the Paralympics

International Paralympic Committee (IPC)President Philip Craven, visiting Japan to attend the IPC Council meeting, gave a lecture at Dentsu Inc. Hall in Shiodome, Tokyo, on June 4. (Hosted by the Tokyo Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (Tokyo 2020), Co-hosted by the IPC)

Approximately 200 attendees, including representatives from partner companies, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, the Japan Paralympic Committee (JPC), and Paralympians, listened intently to the speech by the head of the IPC.

At the outset, Toshio Mutoh, Secretary General of the Organizing Committee, introduced the President, noting his role in successfully leading the London Paralympic Games and his past achievements as an athlete in swimming and wheelchair basketball. "We are very much looking forward to today's lecture," he stated in his opening remarks.

The President delivered his speech titled "Paralympism meets Tokyo 2020." Using extensive materials and videos, he carefully presented the Paralympic Games' growth and increasing prominence since their inception, along with their impact on society, sharing anecdotes throughout. He stated that the Tokyo Games will elevate the Paralympic Movement to previously unimaginable heights, becoming a truly global event. He expressed satisfaction, saying, "I am encouraged by the commitment demonstrated by the Organizing Committee."

He also expressed gratitude for The Nippon Foundation's announcement on June 2 regarding the establishment of the "The Nippon Foundation Paralympic Support Center," which will implement support initiatives for the Tokyo Paralympic Games.

*The Nippon Foundation Paralympic Support Center
The center plans to undertake initiatives to promote the Paralympic Movement, including strengthening the foundations of sports organizations, raising awareness of the Games, and developing volunteer leaders.