"NO LIMITS SPECIAL 2020" Held at Megaweb

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government held the "NO LIMITS SPECIAL 2020" event, an experiential program for sports featured in the Tokyo Paralympics, on January 11 and 12 at Megaweb in Koto Ward, Tokyo. (Supported by: Japan Paralympic Committee, Japan Sports Association for the Disabled; Koto Ward; Cooperation: Tokyo Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games; Business Cooperation: Tokyo Gas, Tokyo Metro, Japan Post, Panasonic, JR East, Mainichi Newspapers, Mizuho Financial Group, Meiji, LIXIL) at Megaweb in Koto Ward, Tokyo.
This event has been held three times in Tokyo to date.

 At the opening ceremony on the first day, Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike stated, "We have finally reached the year of the Tokyo Games. The hallmark of the Games' success is none other than the success of the Paralympics. Success means the Paralympic venues will be packed with spectators, filled with cheers for the athletes." Referring to the second lottery application for spectator tickets starting on the 15th, she urged, "The first lottery saw three times as many applications as the London Games, which were considered a huge success. Let's accelerate this momentum to build excitement for the Games and make Tokyo a city where anyone can live comfortably."

Taking the stage alongside Governor Koike were Goro Inagaki and Shingo Katori, Special Goodwill Ambassadors for the International Paralympic Committee and Special Supporters for the Paralympic Support Center, who participated in a talk.

The two stated, "As supporters, we want to learn daily and convey the Games' appeal to everyone," and "We've been eagerly awaiting the Games year. With over 200 days left, we hope people will get to know the Paralympics even more deeply." When asked about sports she was looking forward to, Governor Koike said, "Every sport that showcases the athletes' unique strengths is fascinating; I can't pick just one." Inagaki mentioned rowing, canoeing, cycling, and goalball, which he has personally experienced. Katori revealed his top pick is the marathon, explaining he loves the event because it runs through his beloved city of Tokyo, with a course passing numerous famous landmarks.

One Year to Go Campaign Visual
"Matt Stutzman" × "Tokyo" ©Tokyo 2020

Joining the trio at the venue was Matt Stutzman (USA), a legend of Para archery and silver medalist at the London Games. Katori remarked, "It's amazing where someone so small gets that much power," while Inagaki said, "I'd love to see him demonstrate." Stutzman then agreed to show them his skills.

Stutzman expressed his determination: "I'm training hard for Tokyo and want to bring home the gold medal." Governor Koike concluded, "NO LIMITS means human potential knows no bounds. I hope you experience that at this event."

The subsequent performance show featured athletes already qualified for the Tokyo Games, including track and field long jumper Tomomi Usazawa, alongside prominent athletes from wheelchair basketball, taekwondo, badminton, and wheelchair rugby. They each demonstrated their skills to cheers. Particularly, when Statsman hit the bullseye with an archery shot, it drew especially loud applause.

At the venue, partner companies set up booths for sports experiences and promotions, drawing crowds of families and others on both days.

Official Website:
https://no-limits.tokyo/nls_2020/