IOC president Thomas Bach defended by IPC over return to Tokyo for Paralympics

A brief return visit to Tokyo by International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach to view the Paralympic games has been widely criticised in Japan, but defended by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC). Bach spent about a month in Japan for the recently concluded Olympics, returning the day before Tuesday’s Paralympic opening ceremony. He departed about 24 hours later after attending some events and handing out medals at the swimming venue.

Craig Spence, the spokesperson of the IPC, believes Bach’s visit “underlines his commitment” to the Paralympic Movement, claiming the relationship between the organisations had “never been better”. Organisers said he followed all the pandemic protocols.

During his three day stay in Japan, Bach went to a number of venues, including the Musashino Forest Sport Plaza for Wheelchair basketball, the Makuhari Messe for the goalball and wheelchair fencing and the Yoyogi National stadium for wheelchair rugby.

Shigeru Omi, a medical advisor for the government, suggested Bach’s visit lacked “common sense” considering the rising COVID-19 positive cases in the capital.

“Right now, the government is requesting people to telework and (Bach) is coming back just for that,” Dr. Shigeru Omi, an infectious disease expert, said this week.

He also felt Bach could have stayed at home and watched the Paralympics online.

“It was great to have Thomas Bach on our invitation”

However, Spence stressed the importance of the German official being able to see Paralympic sports in person.

“From an IPC point of view, it was great to have him here on our invitation, As you know the IPC and the IOC have a very good relationship. We signed a long-term agreement at the Pyeongchang 2018 Games. His activity plan had been authorised by the Japanese Government. I know there had been some questions regarding that,” he said.

“Yesterday, he had a really busy day. It was great that he was out and about and saw Paralympic sport for the first time. It is really important that people experience Paralympic sport and the Games in person. That’s when you get the true exposure of the joy of these Games,” added Spence.

The IPC spokesperson said Bach was warmly welcomed by athletes and adhered to coronavirus countermeasures including wearing a mask and practicing social distancing.

“The Paralympic Games would not be the size and scale it is today if it wasn’t for the relationship we had with the IOC,” said Spence.

“The diversity of sport that he went to see was very good and underlines his commitment and to the IPC and the Paralympic Movement. I think he has described the athletes as role models of society in his close words. We were happy to welcome President Bach and will welcome him to future Games as well. The relationship has never been better between the two organisations,” he concluded.

Masa Takaya, the spokesperson for Tokyo 2020, stated: “President Bach is supporting the Paralympic Movement and the IPC and to show the support he came to Japan. As is with tradition with the Paralympic Games, he joined the Opening Ceremony. To come to Japan he had strict infection controls and his actions and activities were appropriate. He has already left Japan.”

Tokyo has been under a state of emergency since mid-July and the scope of the measures has expanded to other areas of Japan. The capital’s medical system is further under strain from rising numbers of serious coronavirus cases. The government has also advised the public to avoid nonessential outings.