The world has fought the COVID-19 crisis together hand in hand, and the Tokyo Summer Olympics is surely a ray of hope in the dark times. The motto is ‘United by Emotion,’ representing the emotional times that have united the entire globe. The countdown to the iconic Olympic Games began on March 25, 2021.
The Olympic Torch started its journey from Fukushima, the city that witnessed the Great Japan Earthquake’s devastation some ten years back. The torch relay, along with the competitions, will be a great opportunity for Japan to display the region’s progress in front of the whole world. It is a gesture from the island nation to express its gratitude for the global support throughout that tragic period.
Hope Lights Our Way
The world has been facing the lethality of the coronavirus pandemic. Over the past year, the pandemic has taken in its grasp millions of lives. It has wreaked havoc on the global economy, and many people have lost their jobs as well.
Everyone had to stay confined within the boundaries of their homes without zero social contact. The frontline workers and the medical community have risked their lives to serve those who are in need. The effect of the pandemic hasn’t eased out yet, and things are still far from looking bright. Amidst such a grave situation and terrible suffering, the Tokyo Games has come as a breath of fresh air. ‘Hope Lights Our Way’ is the message that the Olympic Torch conveys.
Following The COVID-19 Safety Precautions
COVID-19 has made people feel insecure. The conditions have not been conducive to almost anything. The first and foremost priority is to carve out a safe environment for everyone. Since September 2020, approximately 30,000 athletes have participated in around 270 sporting competitions held internationally.
With the International Olympic Committee and the International Paralympic Committee, a set of guidelines are in place for all those participating in the Tokyo Olympic Games. Everyone must follow the critical guidelines to stay safe and secure. With these guidelines or Playbooks, special applications will keep track of every aspect of a participant’s health. The procedure will start 14 days before they arrive in Japan.
Everybody Has To Follow Covid-19 Guidelines
This is not the end. The procedure will continue throughout their stay in the country. Everyone there will have to take COVID-19 tests regularly besides following social distancing at the venues and the Olympic Village. Things will be the same for the Paralympic Village as well. Aside from that, the participants have to adhere to a code of conduct to keep themselves and others safe.
The code of conduct is basic and requires the participants to abide by an activity plan that will cover every minute detail about their travel and within the country and activities. Those who fail to comply with the code of conduct might eventually have to let go of their accreditation. They would also be barred from taking part in the competitions. The Playbooks will go through revision twice before the competitions kick start. The organizers will incorporate expert advice and situational updates to prevent the pandemic spread.
It’s A Historic Summer Olympics
None of the games before the Tokyo edition had such rules. However, the participants have been extremely co-operating, and the response has been fantastic. Every athlete, member of the National Olympic and Paralympic Committee, and international sports federations have made it clear that they are willing to follow the rules and regulations.
They are eager to make the Games this year a grand success. But, not everything has been that easy. They are making decisions like asking the overseas spectators to stay out has, of course, been tough. This particular decision did break the hearts of many. But, sometimes harsh decisions have to be taken for the greater good. The safety of everyone around has to ensure, and there can never be a compromise on that front. And there is a restriction on the number of members setting their feet into the country. Besides that, the organizers are taking strict health and safety measures at the venue.
The competitors have been kind enough to comply with all the stipulations and have committed that they follow all the steps necessary to create a safe environment at the games this year. Safety comes first.