Lausanne, Switzerland, March 11, 2021: The Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee updated the 137th IOC Session on its final preparations, promising to deliver “safety first” Olympic and Paralympic Games.
In their March 11 presentation to the Session, Tokyo 2020 President Seiko Hashimoto and CEO Toshiro Muto outlined the progress being made as preparations for this year’s Games enter the final stages. With the Olympic Torch Relay beginning on March 25, and 18 test events taking place from April onwards, momentum is beginning to build in Japan for the July 23 opening ceremony.
Hashimoto, a seven-time Olympian, explained: “As President of Tokyo 2020, I will work to implement a flawless system of preparations for the Games. These will be Games that everyone, both in Japan and around the world, can agree will be safe and secure.
“I will continue to strengthen our collaboration with stakeholders as we prepare for safe and secure Games – safety first. I am committed to creating an environment where the athletes of the world can perform with confidence and pride.”
CEO Muto added that a decision on whether overseas spectators would be allowed to attend the Games would be made prior to the March 25 start of the Olympic Torch Relay; a decision on venue capacity is expected in April.
Regarding gender equality, Hashimoto highlighted the appointment of 12 female members to the Tokyo 2020 Executive Board, increasing female representation to 42 per cent, as well as the establishment of a Gender Equality Promotion team headed by Tokyo 2020 Sports Director and OCA Athletes’ Committee Chair Mikako Kotani.
Source: www.olympic.org