Society

Athletes' village reopens for Paralympics

Aug 17 (NHK) - The Tokyo Games athletes' village reopened quietly on Tuesday, one week before the Paralympics. Neither a ceremony nor events were held, due to anti-coronavirus measures.

About 4,400 Paralympians and staff from roughly 160 countries and territories are expected to take part, but no athletes were seen arriving in the morning.

Paralympic athletes and staff are allowed to arrive seven days before their competitions to adjust. This is two days longer than the period given to Olympic athletes. They have to leave the facility within two days after competing.

Members of Japan's delegation are expected to start entering the village from Wednesday.

Competitions start on August 25, one day after the opening ceremony.

Organizing committee officials say the number of Paralympians is less than half that of Olympians, so they have removed some tables and chairs from the cafeteria to make room for wheelchairs and athletes with visual disabilities.

On Sunday, a repair center for prosthetic limbs and other mobility devices opened in the village. Services will be provided free of charge during the Games.

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