“Since winning the Games in September 2013, Tokyo 2020 has come of the starting blocks at a blistering pace. Organising an Olympics and Paralympic Games is a marathon, not a sprint however, and I hope they can sustain the same levels of enthusiasm, commitment and energy for the next six years through to the Games."

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has said it is “extremely encouraged” following the conclusion of its first Project Review with the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organising Committee on Tuesday (16 December).

During two days of meetings on Monday and Tuesday (15-16 December) in Tokyo, Japan, the IPC received a number of updates on planning and progress for the 2020 Paralympics which will take place between 25 August-6 September.

Xavier Gonzalez, the IPC’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “Although 2014 is the first full year we have been working with the Organising Committee, we are extremely encouraged with their progress so far.

“There is Paralympic representation at all levels of the Organising Committee which bodes well for the future and there already is a very good co-operation in all areas between Tokyo 2020 and the IPC.

“I’m also delighted that the Organising Committee has marked a number of Paralympic landmarks – including six years to go and the 50th anniversary of the 1964 Paralympics.

“Since winning the Games in September 2013, Tokyo 2020 has come of the starting blocks at a blistering pace. Organising an Olympics and Paralympic Games is a marathon, not a sprint however, and I hope they can sustain the same levels of enthusiasm, commitment and energy for the next six years through to the Games. If they do they have the potential to deliver something very special indeed.”

Toshiro Muto, Chief Executive Officer of the Tokyo Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, said: “At the inaugural IPC Project Review, we were delighted to be able to spend two full days in extremely productive discussions with the members of the IPC delegation on a wide range of subjects related to the 2020 Paralympic Games.

“The sessions included a series of lively discussions and exchanges of viewpoints on a variety of matters, and I firmly believe that the past two days have been a truly rewarding and worthwhile experience.

“We have received much valuable advice and guidance from the members of the IPC delegation over the past two days, and we will of course be incorporating this advice into our planning for the Games. Uniting our efforts with those of all stakeholders, our All Japan team – made up of representatives from a broad cross section of Japanese society – is determined to exert the utmost efforts to ensuring that the 2020 Paralympic Games are a resounding success.”

The areas that were discussed during the first IPC Tokyo 2020 Project Review included governance, people management, venues and sport, planning and co-ordination, Paralympic Games integration, accessibility, legacy plan, engagement, broadcasting, commercial, brand and brand protection.

In late January 2015, the IPC Governing Board will finalise which sports make up the Tokyo 2020 sports programme. So far 16 sports have been included, and a further eight and bidding for inclusion. Tokyo 2020 can feature a maximum of 23 Paralympic sports.