According to the organizers, the Tokyo Paralympics will be held without spectators

TOKYO, Aug 16 (Reuters) – The Tokyo Paralympics are usually held without spectators, organizers said on Monday when the government decided to continue COVID-19 emergency measures in the capital and other areas run during the Games.

According to the organizers, municipalities can continue to get schoolchildren to participate in the events as long as the appropriate COVID-19 security measures are implemented, taking into account the wishes of the caregivers.

Tokyo 2020 President Seiko Hashimoto regretted his decision after talks between government officials, Tokyo organizers and Paralympic representatives, and urged people to watch the Games at home and avoid attending road events.

“We sincerely apologize to all ticket holders who were looking forward to watching the games at the venues, but we understand that taking these measures to prevent the spread of the infection was inevitable,” Hashimoto said.

The Paralympic competitions – held from August 24 to September 5 – include swimming, table tennis, wheelchair fencing and basketball, which is attended by more than 4,000 athletes with different disabilities.

The Japanese government was due to extend its emergency in Tokyo and other areas on September 12 and extend the curbs to seven other prefectures, media reported earlier Monday.

Reported by Daniel Leussink; Edited by Giles Elgood and Christian Radnedge

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