Along with hosting the 2020 Summer Olympics, Tokyo, the largest city in the world, is gearing up to host the 2020 Paralympic Games. While hosting such a huge event can prove to be a challenge, the country of Japan has had plenty of experience. In 1964, Tokyo, the capital city that is home to over 38 million residents, hosted the Summer Olympic Games. In 1972, the Winter Olympics were held in Sapporo, the country’s fifth largest city, with Nagano hosting the 1998 Winter Olympics. Japan has also twice previously hosted the Paralympics.
High Hopes for Tokyo
In hosting the Olympics, Japan hopes to show the world that they are a safe and innovative city, along with showcasing their culture and technology. It is yet to be determined if Japan has budgeted enough money for hosting the Olympics and the Paralympics. An expensive venture, other countries, including Brazil and Russia, went into debt after overspending. To date, Japan has budgeted about 801 billion yen, which equals $7 billion and is seven times more than what the country had originally budgeted.
According to the Tokyo Organizing Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, ticket prices for both events range from $18 to $2,700, with the average price for a general admission ticket costing $72. Tickets for the opening ceremony will be sold for $2,700. For kids, seniors, and those with disabilities, ticket prices are set at $18. The Olympic committee hopes to sell 7.8 million tickets, which would be a record number.
The Paralympics
Since 1992, the Olympics and Paralympics have always been hosted in the same city. However, it wasn’t until 2012, that the host city became formally obliged to do so. While there have been variations of those with disabilities participating in organized sporting events, the first official Paralympic Games took place in Rome, Italy in 1960. Over 400 athletes competed from 23 countries. It wasn’t until 1989, however, that the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) was founded. Like the Olympics, the Paralympics takes place every four years.
The upcoming Paralympic Games in Tokyo will feature nearly 4,400 athletes. These athletes have either a physical, mental, or sensorial disability, and includes those in wheelchairs, severe visual impairments, and amputees. Paralympic athletes will be competing in 537 medal events, which include amputee football, power wheelchair hockey, para-taekwondo, power wheelchair football, wheelchair rugby, sitting volleyball, and basketball for the intellectually impaired.
