To celebrate Japan Paralympic Day and promote Tokyo’s bid for the 2016 Summer Olympic Games, an event was held Saturday at the venue used for the Tokyo 1964 Olympic and Paralympic Stadium, a critical part of Tokyo 2016’s bid.
A press release said hundreds of passionate sports fans saw people with and without disabilities enjoy taking part in the Paralympic sports of wheelchair basketball and goatball in the iconic Yoyogi National Gymnasium.
The celebrations also gave local people the chance to learn more about Tokyo’s bid, “that will set new standards in terms of legacy, sustainability, compactness and athlete experience” which the bid showcased at a special exhibition stand.
Tokyo is also preparing to welcome athletes from across the continent for the 2nd Asian Youth Para Games in early September.
Dr. Ichiro Kono, Chair and CEO of Tokyo 2016 said, “Tokyo 2016 will offer an inspiring 100-year legacy to the Paralympic Movement. The 1964 Paralympic Games marked the beginnings of disability sport in Japan. Now a 21st Century Games in Tokyo will guarantee a new Paralympic legacy for the world”.
Japan Paralympic Day was organized by the Japan Paralympic Committee with the support of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Tokyo 2016, and the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.
