Arab News Japan

TOKYO: One year before the postponed Paralympic Games are set to begin, Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike called them a “symbol of humankind bonding as the world overcomes the difficult coronavirus situation.”

In a statement released August 24, the governor said that the city has been actively working to build excitement for the Paralympic Games and to promote para sports.

She said that the success of the Tokyo 2020 Games, also postponed to next year, will depend on the success of the Paralympic Games and noted that Tokyo will be the first city to host the Paralympic Summer Games twice.

“The para athletes, who have overcome a range of difficulties, are truly looking forward to demonstrating the incredible skills they acquired through extensive training for the games,” she said, adding that the people of the world are also waiting to see the Games and that Tokyo would devote all effort to defeating the coronavirus.

“We will work closely with all parties concerned and advance preparations to hold a successful Games brimming with hope, which will serve as a symbol of humankind bonding even more strongly as the world came together as one to overcome this difficult situation,” she said.