With a year remaining until the Tokyo Paralympics that are set to begin on Aug. 24, 2021, volunteers who will work at the sporting venues and other locations continue to be enthusiastic about the event. Although the Paralympics were postponed by a year due to the spread of the novel coronavirus, one volunteer said, "I would like to increase the quality of our hospitality by taking advantage of the extended preparation period."
"I want to improve my English and sign language skills," said Momoka Akiyoshi, 23, a first-year student at the Acupuncture and Physical Therapy Teacher Training School of the University of Tsukuba. Akiyoshi, who lives in Bunkyo Ward, Tokyo, will work as a volunteer for the upcoming Paralympics. She was born with weak eyesight and has a narrow visual field. She lost sight in her right eye when she was young. Hoping to show others that people with disabilities can contribute in various ways, Akiyoshi applied for a volunteer position and was assigned to be a guide at the Japan National Stadium in Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo, the main venue for the Paralympics.
However, the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics were pushed back one year due to the outbreak of the coronavirus. Since Akiyoshi often has to touch things to identify them, she has a relatively high risk of infection. Reflecting on the situation, though, she decided to volunteer for the Paralympics because "the role of volunteers is important since they serve as the face of hospitality," she said.
During her days at home, she keeps up with her studies using an online English conversation learning system offered by the Paralympic organizing committee free of charge. Furthermore, she wants to learn sign language as she hopes to communicate with people who are hearing impaired. "If they move their hands slowly and broadly, I can see them with my partially sighted left eye" she said.
The training program for volunteers who will support event operations during the Games began last October, but it was halted in February due to the outbreak of the coronavirus. The organizing committee is currently asking all volunteers if they still plan to participate in the event next summer.
In July, the organizing committee sought messages for volunteers to keep them motivated because they have not had the chance to meet each other in person for months. Messages such as, "Now is a difficult time, but let's keep believing the Paralympics will be held!" and, "We now have one more year to look forward to the event" are shared on a special website.
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