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Tokyo Paralympics Countdown event held three years before opening
The Tokyo Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government held the countdown event "Everyone's Tokyo 2020: 3 Years to Go!" at Urban Dock LaLaport Toyosu in Koto Ward, Tokyo, on August 25, marking three years until the opening of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.
Prior to the event, Governor Yuriko Koike, Muto Toshio, Secretary General of the Organizing Committee, Shunichi Suzuki, Minister in charge of the Tokyo Games, and Paralympic athletes enjoyed cooling off by sprinkling water on the ground.
Governor Koike stated, "Many Paralympic events will be held around this Toyosu area. We aim to make Tokyo a Safe City, a Diverse City, and a Smart City. We also strive for Games where everyone can participate, regardless of disability or age. Today, let's enjoy ourselves while imagining three years from now."
Minister Suzuki stated, "I believe the next three years will be a period to elevate our thinking about disability and people with disabilities, and the nature of society itself, to a new stage. We also want to continue holding the perspective of these being the Recovery Olympics and Paralympics."
International Paralympic Committee President Philip Craven sent a video message: "I am delighted to see the progress being made in improving Tokyo's accessibility so that many people can enjoy the Games."
After participants and attendees warmed up together with radio calisthenics, a demonstration of Paralympic sports took place on stage. Japanese 5-a-side football player Kento Kato showcased his brilliant dribbling skills and scored a goal, drawing loud cheers from the venue. Governor Koike and Minister Suzuki felt the texture of the football and offered encouragement, saying, "It's an incredible ability to compete relying solely on sound. We're definitely hoping for a medal!"
Paralympic track and field medalist Hajime Ashida, speaking on behalf of the athletes, expressed his determination: "We want to dedicate the time leading up to the Games to the best possible preparation for Tokyo. Let's all get excited together."
After the ceremony, stage events featuring eight Para athletes included a video showcasing athlete performances, quizzes, and talk shows. A blind soccer experience corner was also set up, attracting many children.
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