First Ever: Second Paralympic Games in the Same City "IPC/Tokyo 2020 Orientation Seminar" Held

The Japan Olympic Committee (JOC), Tokyo Metropolitan Government, and Japan Paralympic Committee (JPC) jointly held the "IPC/Tokyo 2020 Orientation Seminar" with the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) on January 19 and 20 at Hotel New Otani in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo. Approximately 380 participants attended over the two days. During the seminar, the IPC delegation provided an overview of the Games, the Paralympic Movement and its legacy, and the IPC organization, in preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. Knowledge sharing for the Games' success and discussions on future processes took place. On the 18th, prior to the seminar, the delegation also conducted a tour of some of the competition venues.

 	Vice President Parsons

 

At the opening of the first day, IPC Vice President Andrew Parsons (Member of the 32nd Olympic Games (Tokyo 2020) Coordination Commission) stated, "We want you to deliver a Games that are uniquely Tokyo. Together with the IPC, let's make sure we deliver a successful Games." The Vice President also participated in the International Olympic Committee's inspection of Tokyo last March. Mitsunori Shimabara, President of the Japan Sports Association for the Disabled (JPC Chairman), expressed his aspirations: "This will be the second Paralympic Games held in Tokyo, and the first time in history that the Games will be held in the same city. We want to show the world the message that everyone can live without discrimination and build a better world." Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Hirofumi Shimomura, stated, "The success of the Paralympics will be key to the 2020 Games. We will continue to make every effort with a whole-of-Japan approach."

From left: IPC CEO Javier Gonzalez, IPC Vice President Parsons, JPC Chairman Shimabara, Japan Sports Association for the Disabled Director Yasushi Yamawaki (JPC Vice Chairman, IPC Director)

 

Following the seminar on the 20th, a press conference was held. Vice President Parsons stated, "I understand Tokyo has a solid vision and the right people. My confidence has grown that we can host the best Paralympics," adding, "Going forward, focusing particularly on promoting the athletes will be crucial for building excitement for the Games." Chairman Shimabara declared, "We will continue to work closely with the IPC to advance preparations, ensuring we provide an environment where athletes from around the world can focus entirely on their competitions in 2020."