Are you ready to switch gears from the Olympics to the Paralympics on August 24? Here’s everything you need to know
The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games may be over but that does not mean that the fun and excitement are. In fact, we are currently in the middle of the Paralympic Torch Relay which will cumulate at the beginning of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games on August 24.
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The Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games is a chance for some of the most accomplished disabled athletes around the globe to compete in one of the world’s biggest sporting events. It usually takes place every two years and there are typically winter and summer editions of the Games.
This year, we will be watching the summer Paralympic Games while the Paralympic Winter Games are set to take place in Beijing in 2022.
Here’s everything you need to know about the summer Paralympic Games before it commences.
See also: Tokyo 2020 Olympics: 21 Asian Olympians Who Won Their First Gold Medals
What is the Paralympic Torch Relay?
This year, the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Torch Relay will be held from August 12 to August 24.
It aims to be a transitional period between the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and will offer people an opportunity to reflect on how we can help promote a more inclusive society.
The torch will go around Japan to places such as Hokkaido, Akita, Fukushima, Kyoto and Osaka.
Due to the pandemic, the torch relay will be heavily monitored and spectators are encouraged to catch the live stream rather than going down in person.
If you would like to follow the flame, check out its route here.
When will the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games take place?
As a result of the pandemic, the Paralympic Games were heavily impacted and was postponed for everyone’s safety.
The Games will be held this year from August 24 and September 5.
See also: Team Singapore at Tokyo 2020 Olympics: All the Highlights So Far
How many sports will there be?
This year, there will be a total of 23 different sports that will include goalbal, judo, sitting volleyball and powerlifting.
There will also be a series of wheelchair sports such as wheelchair basketball, wheelchair fencing, wheelchair tennis and wheelchair rugby.
Will Team Singapore be represented?
There will be a total of ten athletes from Singapore taking part in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games with four of them making their debuts, according to the Singapore National Paralympic Council.
These include archer Nur Syahidah Alim, shot put athlete Muhammad Diroy Noordin, equestriennes Laurentia Tan and Gemma Rose Foo, equestrian Maximillian Tan Chern, and swimmer Yip Pin Xiu.
Powerlifter Nur’Aini, cyclist Steve Tee and swimmers Toh Wei Soong and Sophie Soon will be making their debuts.
Team Singapore will be taking part in a total of six different sports which include cycling, powerlifting, swimming, archery and more.
How do I watch the Games from Singapore?
Much like the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, Mediacorp will be providing Singapore viewers with live telecasts of the opening ceremony, the closing ceremony, daily highlights and coverage of all our Team Singapore events.
You can watch it free on Mediacorp’s MeWatch streaming platform as well as its free-to-air television station, Channel 5. If you are unable to catch the events live, highlights will be made available on Mediacorp’s YouTube channel.
See also: Tokyo 2020 Paralympics: How To Watch the Games in Singapore