Paralympic Medal Designs Announced Competition Experience Events Also Held

The medal features a motif of a "fan" that "unites people's hearts and brings a new breeze to the world." The front side bears the words "TOKYO 2020" in Braille. Additionally, the sides feature a different number of indentations for each medal type—gold, silver, and bronze—so the difference can be felt.
Ryohei Miyata, Commissioner of the Agency for Cultural Affairs (Chair of the Medal Design Competition Jury), stated, "This is the world's only medal that combines the Japanese spirit of harmony with traditional craftsmanship." Medal designer Sakiko Matsumoto (Hakuhodo Products) commented, "I designed it thinking the athletes are the protagonists. I hope this medal connects the hearts of athletes and people, becoming a driving force for new winds."
World record holder in the long jump, Markus Röhlemann (Germany), who attended the announcement, remarked, "I think it's a beautiful medal imbued with the Japanese spirit. I definitely want to win one myself."

■ "Everyone's Sports × Fan Festival"

Adjacent to the ceremony venue, Yoyogi Park hosted events throughout the day, bustling with families. These included athletic demonstrations by para-athletes in track and field, wheelchair tennis, and boccia, as well as booths by Games partner companies offering sports experiences.
Athlete Rehm challenged the "World Record Challenge Long Jump." Though an unofficial record using a large blower, his jump surpassed his own world record, thrilling the crowd. He smiled, saying, "At the Tokyo Games, I want to set a new record at the new National Stadium."
The "World Athlete Challenge 100m Sprint" featured Rio Paralympic gold medalist David Bärre (Germany) alongside Japanese athletes Shunsuke Iida and Kazuki Yoshida. Iida achieved a time surpassing his own Asian record, though it was an unofficial time.
Wheelchair tennis medalists Yui Uechi and Shingo Kunieda performed a demonstration with comedian Yoshio Kojima and others, energizing the venue.

■ "Tokyo 2020 Let's 55 ~Let's Go Go~ with Sumida Paralympic One Year Out Special"

The day before the countdown ceremony, the Organizing Committee held the seventh installment of the Tokyo 2020 Sports Experience Project at Sumida City General Gymnasium and Kinshi Park in Tokyo.
This project offers the public a chance to experience all 55 sports of the Tokyo Games by 2020. The previous six events covered 41 sports.
With the cooperation of partner companies and sports organizations, booths were set up where participants could experience 15 sports and 15 events to be held at the Paralympics. Attendees enjoyed athlete performances and the chance to try the sports.

Additionally, the Organizing Committee designated August 12 to September 12 as the "One Year to Go Campaign" period for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. Commemorative light-ups were held at Tokyo Skytree and other cooperating facilities. Games partners and municipalities in Tokyo and related areas will hold various promotional events for the Games.