Top execs from Tokyo 2020 share their views on Rio 2016 and aspirations for 2020

As the curtain fell on the final act of the 2016 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games, top executives from the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games came together to share their thoughts at the Rio 2016 Olympic Aquatics Stadium.

Toshiro Muto, Lead Executive Board Member and CEO of the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee, Yuriko Koike, Governor of the City of Tokyo, and Mitsunori Torihara, Chairman of the Japanese Paralympic Committee (JPC) discussed their hopes and aspirations for Tokyo 2020 during the press conference; held on September 17.

Toshiro Muto commented:

I would like to pay tribute to all the people, particularly the Paralympians, who were instrumental in making the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games a success.

I was privileged to witness the tremendous success of these Games firsthand. I was extremely impressed, as these Games proved that there is no limit to human potential. In addition, I felt the energy and enthusiasm of the Brazilian people through the observers program and various other experiences I had during the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

In accordance with the concept of “Unity in Diversity” and working closely with the city of Tokyo and JPC, the Organising Committee aims to move forward with preparations, so that Japan will be prepared to welcome the Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2020.

Yuriko Koike said:

I see the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games as an opportunity for the City of Tokyo to transform itself into a “safe city,” that provides greater safety and security, a “diverse city,” where men and women with disabilities can live a full and prosperous life, and a “smart city,” which serves as a leading, advanced city for the rest of the world. Moreover, to ensure that athletes give their best performance, we aim to undertake measures to encourage as many spectators as possible to watch the games from stadium seats by supporting and promoting the Paralympic events over the next four years.

Mitsunori Torihara added:

The mission of the JPC is to further contribute to the development of the Paralympic Movement by keeping the spirit and results achieved at the Rio Olympic and Paralympic Games alive at the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The major issue for making the Games a success, is the development of an environment in which athletes can perform at their best in accordance with the athlete’s first concept. The athletes’ performances are a source of courage and thrill for many people. We aim to move forward with preparations to realise the value of the Paralympic Games and bring about a transformation into an inclusive society.