Tokyo 2020, the local organising committee for the Japanese capital’s hosting of the summer Olympic and Paralympics Games, has announced that the first permanent venue for the sporting spectacle is now open.
The Musashino Forest Sport Plaza will be used to stage badminton and fencing in modern pentathlon events at the Olympics, as well as wheelchair basketball at the Paralympics.
Boasting a seating capacity of more than 10,000, the new facility also features a swimming pool, gym, multi-use sports area and two fitness studios, all of which will be made available to the general public. In addition, solar panels on the roof will help to lower energy costs at the venue.
Toshiro Muto, chief executive of Tokyo 2020, said, “I am delighted that this first new permanent venue has been delivered and inaugurated in such an early phase of the Games life cycle.
“The Organising Committee’s activities have switched from the planning phase to the delivery phase and our eyes are now firmly on the opening date of the Games. Tokyo 2020 will fulfil its promise and deliver a safe and successful Games that will leave a lasting legacy and benefits for everyone.”
The Musashino Forest Sport Plaza has also been built to comply with Tokyo 2020 Accessibility Guidelines, which ensures that all Games venues are accessible to all types of visitor, including the elderly, people with impairments, parents with infant strollers and those with guide dogs. This includes having dedicated space for wheelchairs.
The Tokyo 2020 Games will feature a total of 40 venues, eight of which will be permanent facilities; 24 existing sites; and a further eight temporary venues. Work on all of these sites is currently on track, organisers have said.
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