Tuesday marks two years before the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics in 2020. To ensure the event is a success, preparatory work is entering an important phase in which no delay can be allowed.
At this stage, various important matters related to the Tokyo Games have been decided. The torch relay has been set to start from Fukushima Prefecture on March 26, 2020. This must be meant for dramatic effect, to effectively tout reconstruction from the Great East Japan Earthquake. By the day of the opening ceremony, the torch relay will have traveled around Tokyo and 46 other prefectures.
The names of the Tokyo 2020 Games mascots have also been decided. It is hoped that they will help stir up enthusiasum toward the event, which is considered not to be as strong as it could be.
It is wonderful that the construction of sports venues has been progressing almost as scheduled. The construction of a new national stadium, the initial plan for which was canceled, is currently about 40 percent finished. Other facilities have also been developed at a quick pace.
Measures against heat have gained importance. Given the recent spell of unusually hot temperatures, there is anxiety over whether the Games can be held without problems.
The Executive Board of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) approved the competition schedule proposed by the Tokyo Organizing Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. The starting time for the marathon is 7 a.m. for both men and women, while the men's 50-kilometer racewalk is set to start at 6 a.m.
Next 2 years crucial
Considering the strain on athletes' bodies, it is an appropriate response to hold competitions in a relatively cool time period. The host city is responsible for providing the athletes with an environment in which they can demonstrate their abilities fully. Thorough attention should also be paid to antiheat measures in other sports as well.
Efforts to protect spectators and volunteers who support the event from falling victim to heatstroke should not be neglected either.
The organizing committee has said that it will install devices to measure the wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT) -- an international barometer -- at every competition venue, and in the event that the temperature reaches a dangerous level, it will call on spectators to take such steps as rehydration.
Taking measures based on the premise of fierce heat is important, such as establishing as many air-conditioned rest spots as possible.
Should a competition be held in the same time period as commuter rush hour, would-be spectators might ride on already jam-packed trains. Improvements in the transportation system is an issue that needs to be addressed.
Many things need to be done in the next two years: establishing infallible security arrangements and promoting the incorporation of barrier-free design -- also with an eye on hosting the Paralympic Games.
The only course is for the central government, the Tokyo metropolitan government and the organizing committee to cooperate ever more closely and move forward efficiently with relevant work.
To enliven the event, it is essential for Japanese athletes to make an impressive showing in every competition. The Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC) has set an objective of Japan winning a record 30 gold medals.
For each sports association, the next two years will be a crucial time to strengthen its athletes.
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 24, 2018)
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