IPC President visits Japan to discuss Tokyo 2020 Paralympic legacy

To mark the fifth anniversary of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, Andrew Parsons, President of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), and Executive Director Colleen Leneg visited Japan to review the event's lasting legacy.

During a meeting at the Edo-Tokyo Museum, officials and para-sport ambassadors discussed progress in urban accessibility and social inclusion. Key achievements noted by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government include the expansion of barrier-free infrastructure in railway stations and the growth of sports like boccia, which saw a 2.5-fold increase in participating teams.

Participants highlighted both successes and ongoing challenges. While the establishment of the Tokyo Para-Sports Training Center has improved athletic environments, experts noted that sustained funding for support staff and competition management remains insufficient. Ambassadors also emphasized the importance of para-sports in fostering social understanding among children and creating a continuous cycle of inspiration for future generations.