TOKYO (JAPAN) – Expressing condolences on the anniversary of a deadly earthquake and tsunami, Tokyo 2020 President Seiko Hashimoto highlighted the power of sport, saying it provided hope for survivors and in facing the coronavirus.
Hashimoto said the power of sport had become a focus of Tokyo’s bid for the Games after the disaster and that the concept could be extended to facing the novel coronavirus pandemic.
On March 11, 2011, About 20,000 people were killed in a 9.0 magnitude earthquake that struck off northeast Japan, triggering a tsunami that devastated the region and caused a meltdown at a nuclear plant in Fukushima.
“While COVID-19 has led to the first-ever and unprecedented postponement of the Games, the role of sports within society has become ever more relevant,” Hashimoto said. adding, “Even stronger determination” was needed to help boost the recovery of the areas hit by the earthquake and tsunami.”
Referring to the coronavirus, Hashimoto said, “While doing so, we would like to do our best to bring together those whose lives have been affected by the global crisis through hosting a safe and secure Tokyo 2020 Games.