TOKYO (JAPAN) – The Tokyo Paralympics may require specific COVID-19 measures to safeguard athletes as they move between venues, according to organisers on Monday.
The 2020 Summer Olympics and Paralympics have been postponed to next year because of the pandemic.
Paralympics organisers said on Monday that the schedule would not have much changes for next year. The opening ceremony will be held on August 24, and the games would feature 539 events at 22 different venues.
Games Director Hidemasa Nakamura said, “There might be some specific measures that are needed depending on what type of sport or competition it is.”
“We are having discussions with IFs (International Federations) and the IPC (International Paralympic Committee) and others to provide a safe and secure environment.”
Changes to the schedule may be essential, he added.
Japanese para-taekwondo athlete Mitsuya Tanaka, in a remote news conference, “I think showing ourselves making the effort and taking on the challenge with courage, this is something we can contribute to the world.”
“Once COVID-19 settles, it will be a good opportunity for us to show we have won over COVID-19. This is something I can show as a para-athlete.”
(Photos syndicated via Reuters)
This story has been edited by BH staff and is published from a syndicated field.
