Two Years Before the Tokyo Paralympics Countdown Event at Mega Web
On August 25, the Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government held the countdown event "Everyone's Tokyo 2020: 2 Years to Go!" at Megaweb in Koto Ward, Tokyo, to commemorate two years until the opening of the Tokyo Paralympic Games.
A large crowd gathered for the evening ceremony. On stage were organizers, government officials, Paralympic athletes, and talent Shingo Katori, the "International Paralympic Committee Special Goodwill Ambassador for the Tokyo Games."
Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike stated, "In two years, many Paralympic events will be held here in the waterfront area. You can even try out sports at today's venue." She showed her "Parasports Passport" (a stamp book where participants get stamps for sports they try) and enthusiastically added, "So far, I've tried 16 of the 22 Paralympic sports. After this, I want to try rowing and get my 17th stamp."
She also appealed, "I ask for everyone's cooperation and support to make the Games a success as we enjoy the remaining two years."
Olympic and Paralympic Minister Shunichi Suzuki stated, "As the minister in charge, I'm delighted so many people participated today. The government will continue its efforts to raise interest and ensure the world enjoys this historic second Games in the same host city."
Andrew Parsons, President of the International Paralympic Committee, sent a smiling video message: "I am confident the Tokyo Games will be the most spectacular Paralympics ever. Let's all enjoy this memorable day together. Two Years to Go!"
When the flower-themed artwork created to celebrate the two-year countdown was unveiled, Katori remarked, "It's wonderful! I'm also learning about the Paralympics little by little. Let's all work together to build excitement for the Paralympics and make 2020 bloom into something truly magnificent."
Athletes announced their personal "My Flower-Blooming Declaration" for the Games.
Among pledges like "Win a medal" and "Race my best with a smile," rowing medalist Daisuke Maeda declared, "Lose 10kg to reach the finals." Borrowing his flipboard, Katori exclaimed, "I'll lose 10kg too!" igniting the crowd.
After the stage change, Maeda, Katori, Governor Koike, Minister Suzuki, and Deputy Secretary General Yukihiko Nunomura of the Organizing Committee participated in a rowing experience. They used indoor rowing machines, trying both fixed and sliding seat types.
Katori quickly declared, "I give up on becoming an athlete," but put up a good fight against Maeda in a 50-meter race. "Maybe I should aim for it after all!?" he said with a smile.
On the day, organizers and partner companies set up booths for sports experiences and PR within the venue. Related events were also held in surrounding areas (Symbol Promenade Park, Nippon Foundation Para Arena, etc.). Furthermore, facilities in the Rinkai Subcenter area (Tokyo Big Sight, Fuji Television Headquarters, etc.) and other locations within Tokyo (Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Tower, etc.) were illuminated using the Agitos colors (the three colors—red, blue, and green—used in the Paralympic symbol).
(Photos below = Tokyo 2020)
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