The International Olympic Committee (IOC)’s Coordination Commission for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020 finished it's 11th and final meeting and assured that the Games will be safe for everyone participating and also for the people of Japan.
IOC President Thomas Bach, said: “With just 65 days to go until the Opening Ceremony, we are now very delivery-focused. The athletes from all around the world are grateful to Japan for its diligent preparations, and are looking forward to safe and secure Olympic and Paralympic Games where they can finally shine.”
The IOC President also confirmed that as many as 75% of the residents of the Olympic Village have already received the vaccination or have secured it; and believes that the number will be well above 80% at the time of the Games.
Speaking after the conclusion of these meetings, John Coates, the Chair of the IOC’s Coordination Commission for the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, said: “It has become clearer than ever that these Games will be safe for everyone participating and the Japanese people."
He continued: “We will continue to work hand in hand with our Japanese partners to do everything possible to deliver safe and secure Games for everyone. I know from my own athletes in Australia, how appreciative they are of the efforts of the Japanese people to give them the opportunity to live their dream despite the current situation.”
Following Coates’ comments, Tokyo 2020 President Seiko Hashimoto said: “Preparations for safe and secure Games are proceeding steadily, but I am aware that we must work all the harder to ensure that the people of Tokyo and Japan also feel that sense of safety and security."
“In response to any concerns, we are moving forward to tighten our planning in three fields. First, tight limitations on the number of participants entering Japan. Second, tight enforcement of the code of conduct and of health monitoring. And third, a tight review and reconsideration of the Games-time medical system."
The recent test events held in Japan demonstrated elements of the measures being implemented for the Tokyo 2020 Games. Four international events for volleyball, diving, marathon and athletics featured over 700 athletes and over 6,000 staff from Japan and across the globe participating in the competition. Strict COVID-19 countermeasures were followed in all the events ensuring their safe operation.
Some International Federations (IFs) also held their qualification events in Japan successfully in the last few weeks. This includes FISA Asia & Oceania Olympic Qualification Regatta at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic venue, the Sea Forest Waterway, and the World Triathlon Championship Series in Yokohama, both working together with local federations and the government agencies and all of these events received positive feedback from the IFs and athletes.
Sporting events taking place successfully around the world further encouraged The Coordination Commission. Noting that over 54,000 athletes have contested in over 430 major events since September 2020, all of which were held safely for participants and the local population.
Many of which contributed to Olympic qualification. At this point, 72% of athletes, or just above 8,000 athletes have already qualified for the Games, including 11 sports/disciplines for which qualification has been completed. The rest will come from world rankings (20%) and the final qualifying events (8%).
