Tokyo Paralympic Torch Relay Approximately 1,000 runners will be selected, with recruitment starting on November 27.
The Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee held a press conference in Tokyo on November 22 to announce details regarding the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Torch Relay, including the relay route and runner recruitment overview.
At the outset, Mori Yoshiro, President of the Organizing Committee, stated: "The Paralympic Flame will be lit in every prefecture and ultimately converge in Tokyo, making it distinct from the Olympic Flame. By gathering the passionate sentiments of people nationwide in the host city, we aim to contribute to realizing an inclusive society. We look forward to the moment the cauldron is lit at the Opening Ceremony and will continue to dedicate ourselves to preparations."
Junichi Kawai of the Torch Relay Planning Committee and official torch relay ambassador Aki Taguchi explained the overall concept of the relay, based on the Paralympic Torch Relay theme: "Share Your Light. You are surely someone's light."
The final flame will be created by combining three major "fires." The first is the flame lit in Stoke-on-Trent, England, where the first sports competition for people with disabilities—the origin of the Paralympics—was held. The second is the flame lit using various methods in the 43 prefectures (over 700 municipalities) outside the four host prefectures (Shizuoka, Chiba, Saitama, and Tokyo) where competitions will be held. The third is the flame lit and relayed within the four host prefectures.
All these flames will be gathered in Tokyo and united into one during the "Unification Ceremony" on the evening of August 21, 2020. Following this, the torch relay will take place within Tokyo, leading up to the Opening Ceremony on August 25.
Actress Satomi Ishihara, the official ambassador for the torch relay who participated in the announcement event, explained the selection criteria and recruitment plan for torchbearers alongside Mr. Taguchi.
The torch relay will take place over eight days: in the four prefectures hosting events (August 18-21) and in the host city, Tokyo (August 22-25). Approximately 1,000 runners are planned. Teams of three people meeting for the first time will run approximately 200 meters.
Those born on or before April 1, 2008, are eligible to apply to be a torchbearer, regardless of nationality, gender, or disability status. Individuals who applied to be an Olympic torchbearer are also eligible.
Applications can be submitted through LIXIL, the Paralympic Torch Relay Presenting Partner (application period: November 27, 2019 - February 29, 2020), and the four prefectures (application period: December 16 - February 15). Applications to the prefectures are open to individuals with ties to the prefecture where they wish to run, but simultaneous application with LIXIL is possible. Runner selection will be conducted by each application source, which will recommend candidates to the Organizing Committee. After the Organizing Committee makes its decision, the runners will be announced in May 2020 or later.
Regarding the torchbearers, Mr. Ishihara stated, "Even if you're not an athlete, running while receiving cheers from the roadside is a precious experience that will become a lifelong treasure. I hope the Olympic spirit will be carried forward, making this a truly wonderful torch relay and Games. Everyone, even if you're not a torchbearer, let's get excited together by proposing ideas for the flame collection ceremonies across the country."
Official website:
https://tokyo2020.org/jp/news/notice/20191122-02.html
Related article:LIXIL Becomes First Presenting Partner for Paralympic Torch Relay[2019.10.03]
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