The Tokyo wards of Koto and Shibuya as well as Chiba City are so far the only municipalities that will join the school ticket program for the upcoming Tokyo Paralympics, according to a Yomiuri Shimbun survey.
The survey was conducted through Wednesday on the 23 wards in Tokyo and seven municipalities that are hosting Paralympic venues, including Chofu, Tokyo; Asaka, Saitama Prefecture; and Izu, Shizuoka Prefecture.
While the Tokyo Organizing Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games decided Monday to ban spectators from attending the Paralympics in principle, the school ticket program is still being held in consideration of the educational value of the sporting event.
Local governments and school operators can join the program if they choose.
The municipalities not joining the program are 17 wards and five local governments with Paralympic venues, citing concerns about the novel coronavirus pandemic and heatstroke.
"This is regrettable, but we did so in consideration of the safety and welfare of the children," a Setagaya Ward official said.
Since fiscal 2016, the Tokyo metropolitan government has been working on Olympic and Paralympic education aimed at cultivating respect for diversity, such as through experience and exchanges with people with disabilities to foster understanding.
"Watching the events is part of the Olympic and Paralympic education," a Koto Ward official said. "Thinking of the children, we decided to join the program."
A Shibuya Ward official said the Paralympics are a valuable opportunity to watch the events that will be held in Tokyo.
In Chiba City, home to Paralympic venue Makuhari Messe, 108 elementary schools and 54 junior high schools are expected to join the program.
"Watching the games in person will help children to understand diversity and international issues," a city official said. "It will become a lifelong asset."
For Suginami Ward and Niiza, Saitama Prefecture, schools will be allowed to join the program if they wish.
Shinjuku, Sumida and Edogawa wards are still considering what they will do and will make their decision after receiving more detailed information from the metropolitan government.
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