Society

Paralympics to be held with no spectators

Aug 17 (NHK) - The four parties involved in organizing the Tokyo Paralympics say there will be no spectators at any of the venues.

The decision was made during a meeting of representatives of the Paralympic organizing committee, the Tokyo Metropolitan and Japanese governments, and the International Paralympic Committee on Monday. Visiting IPC President Andrew Parsons was among the participants.

With eight days to go before the Games, they discussed the question of whether to allow members of the general public to view Paralympic events in person. This came after most Olympic events went without spectators.

Paralympic events are to be held in four prefectures. Of these, Tokyo, Saitama and Chiba are under a coronavirus state of emergency. Shizuoka, the fourth, is to be placed under the same strictures beginning on Friday.

Meanwhile, a number of schoolchildren are to be allowed to view selected events in each of the four prefectures as part of a special program. Officials say that thorough measures will be taken to prevent infections.

The Paralympic Games will open on August 24.

Source: ANNnewsCH

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