IPC President Parsons Delivers Speech Discusses the Significance of the Paralympics and His Vision for 2020
On July 9, Andrew Parsons, President of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), delivered a lecture at Toranomon Hills in Minato Ward, Tokyo (hosted by Dentsu Inc., with cooperation from the IPC).
The event, primarily for partners of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, also included attendees from the Games Organizing Committee, the Japanese Paralympic Committee, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, and various sports federations, with approximately 500 people in attendance.
The President spoke about the values and purpose of the Paralympics, as well as his expectations and thoughts regarding the Tokyo Games.
At the outset, Dentsu Inc. Executive Officer Soichi Takahashi introduced Parsons, noting he was elected as the new IPC President at the IPC General Assembly in Abu Dhabi in September 2017. "We hope today's lecture will provide significant insight for the many people supporting the Paralympic Movement as they consider the 2020 Games and subsequent activities," Takahashi stated in his opening remarks.
Before his lecture, President Parsons called for a moment of silence for the victims of the heavy rains in western Japan. After offering prayers together with the attendees, he began his talk.
The President touched on the origins and history of the Paralympics and the IPC, as well as its relationship with the International Olympic Committee. He stated that the purpose of the Paralympics is "to change the world and change perceptions of people with disabilities through the performance of athletes." He emphasized that this remains true for the 2020 Games and encouraged stakeholders to propose new ideas.
He also noted that recent Games have seen strong television ratings, media coverage, and ticket sales, predicting these figures would increase further for the Tokyo Games.
Regarding generations, he emphasized the importance of educating children, expressing a desire for them to watch the Games as they will become future decision-makers in society, thereby deepening their understanding of people with disabilities and parasports.
Regarding the future of the Paralympics, he stressed that raising awareness and establishing its positioning are crucial. He described the Tokyo Games as a significant opportunity, noting Asia's importance as a key platform, and called for further cooperation from political and business circles.
Regarding partner companies, he expressed hope for activation efforts to energize the movement. He called for them to serve as amplifiers to the world using social media and other platforms, becoming a force for global change. He also urged many companies to create environments where para-athletes and people with disabilities can work normally.
Concluding his remarks, Chairman Parsons showed a clip from the highly successful 2016 Rio Games and stated, "In two years, such a magnificent event will unfold right before your eyes. We invite you all to the Paralympics!"
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