“The enthusiasm and support we experienced when we first came here in January 2014 has further increased over the last two years and I believe Tokyo 2020 are on course to deliver the best ever Paralympic Games."

The Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games are on course to be the best ever, according to International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Chief Executive Officer Xavier Gonzalez following a joint two-day IOC-IPC Project Review with the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee which concluded on Friday (22 January).

Gonzalez led an IPC delegation to Tokyo for the first ever joint Project Review with the IOC where productive discussions took place covering a wide-range of Games-related topics.

These included competition venues, marketing, people management, the engagement strategy, the new emblems’ selection process, sports, sustainability, accessibility and legacies.

During his time in the Japanese capital, the IPC CEO and members of the IOC met with Toshiaki Endo, Minister in charge of the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games; and Yoichi Masuzoe, Governor of Tokyo.

Xavier Gonzalez, IPC CEO, said: “There are just over four years to go until the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games and I have to say they are the best prepared Organising Committee to date.

“The enthusiasm and support we experienced when we first came here in January 2014 has further increased over the last two years and I believe Tokyo 2020 are on course to deliver the best ever Paralympic Games.

“We had two days of productive meetings in conjunction with the IOC and we are pleased with the outcomes. Tokyo 2020’s commitment for the Paralympics is infectious and this is best illustrated by the support from the city and national government, corporate sector, media for the Games.

“I was delighted to meet Toshiaki Endo and Yoichi Masuzoe and hear first-hand from them their support for the Paralympic Games. Both realise the true potential of the Games and what impact the Paralympics can have in driving societal change in Tokyo, Japan and around the world.

“Looking ahead to 2016 when Tokyo 2020 will receive the Paralympic flag, the Organising Committee has a number of important milestones to achieve. This includes the finalisation of venues for three Paralympic sports, which we expect in April, the launch of the new Paralympic emblem and maximising awareness around the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.”

Whilst in Tokyo the IPC also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Kyodo News to act as Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games host news agency.