Tokyo Paralympics set plans to allow students to attend


Tokyo Paralympics set plans to allow students to attend

Tokyo Paralympics organisers plan to have students attend the Games despite the coronavirus delta variant spreading among teenagers and those even younger who are not vaccinated.

The organisers claim they are ready to welcome approximately 130,000-140,000 schoolchildren to the Paralympics in Tokyo despite opposition from education officials due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Tokyo Organising Committee and the International Paralympic Committee also support the plan for student fans and argue it's important to have students view athletes with disabilities, which could change attitudes in a relatively conservative society like Japan.

"This generation is the one that will sustain our society in the future, and so we are absolutely passionate about providing this opportunity," Tokyo organising committee spokesman Masa Takaya said.

Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike has also said she is pressing ahead to allow school children to attend the Paralympics, as long as parents and schools are supportive.

In an interview a few days ago, IPC President Andrew Parsons said: 

"We endorse the initiative because we believe it is an important element of legacy by bringing school kids to the games,"

"But of course, it is imperative these kids must come to the games in a safe way."

Tokyo is under a state of emergency through Sept. 12.

About 40% of the Japanese population is fully vaccinated. Tokyo reported 5,074 new cases on Saturday. It marked the first time the capital has logged more than 5,000 cases for four consecutive days. Daily new cases have increased sharply since the Olympics opened on July 23.

AP reported that Tokyo recorded 4,392 new cases on Sunday. Japan has attributed about 15,500 deaths to COVID-19.

Hospital capacity in Tokyo has become so tight that those not deemed ill enough for hospital admission are getting oxygen supplied at home or at makeshift facilities set up for emergencies.

You may also like

View All

The Rt. Hon. Sir Gary Hickinbottom appointed as the new President of the National Safeguarding Panel

We are delighted to announce the appointment of The Rt. Hon. Sir Gary Hickinbottom as President of the National Safeguarding Panel. A long-standing panel member, Sir Gary brings extensive expertise to support the NSP’s work in complex safeguarding cases across sport

Read More

Macron against wearing hijabs in sport

French president Emmanuel Macron has voiced that he opposes Muslim women wearing hijabs whilst competing in sport, instigating discussions among lawmakers, social leaders and governing bodies

Read More

Job Opportunity | Case Manager - National

Sport Resolutions has an exciting opportunity for an individual to join its passionate and experienced National Case Management Team to assist with the administration of domestic matters including football disciplinary procedures, Olympic and Paralympic disputes, and anti-doping rule violations 

Read More

Newsletter Signup

Please enter your email address below: