“The meeting with Prime Minister Abe was highly productive and I was really impressed by his support and dedication towards the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.”

International Paralympic Committee (IPC) President Sir Philip Craven met Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe earlier this month (4 June) whilst he was in Tokyo, Japan, for the IPC Governing Board meeting.

It was the first time the two had met since Tokyo 2020’s final bid presentation in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in September 2013.

Sir Philip first thanked Prime Minister Abe for contributing a video message last October to the IPC’s 25th anniversary celebrations in Berlin, Germany, before the two discussed ongoing preparations for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.

Central to the discussion was the development of The Nippon Foundation Paralympic Support Centre which aims to develop world class Japanese para-athletes ahead of the Games in five years’ time.

Chaired by IPC Governing Board Member Yasushi Yamawaki, who is also President of the Japanese Paralympic Committee, the Centre also aims to raise awareness of the Paralympic Movement in Japan and support the growth of para-sport.

Sir Philip Craven said: “The meeting with Prime Minister Abe was highly productive and I was really impressed by his support and dedication towards the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.

“Two years ago in Buenos Aires, prior to Tokyo 2020’s final bid presentation, he was hugely enthusiastic about what his country could deliver for the Paralympic Games and the Paralympic Movement. Since winning the Games his enthusiasm has grown even stronger and it is clearly rubbing off on all those around him.

“I left Japan overwhelmed at not just his commitment to delivering the best ever Paralympics in 2020 but also the support of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee and Games’ sponsors.

“The Games in 2020 are not only a huge opportunity to raise awareness of the Paralympic Movement in Japan but also to develop innovative ways to improve accessibility and showcase future living environments in the country.”