Paralympic Torch and Relay Route Unveiled

(ATR) The Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Torch Relay will begin four days after the 2020 Olympics ends, travelling across the country and to prefectures that will host Paralympic events.

Tokyo 2020 released the preliminary schedule for the 2020 Paralympic Torch Relay, along with the Paralympic torch that will be carried in the run up to the event.

The torch is made from the same recycled aluminum as the Olympic Torch and is modeled after the iconic Japanese cherry blossom or "sakura". The Paralympic torch features the same five point design, evoking the cherry blossom, made from aluminum that was used in temporary housing following the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami.

On the front of the torch is the Paralympic logo, and the color of the torch is "Sakura Pink".

The Paralympic torch relay will begin in Japan on August 13, four days after the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Closing Ceremony. The Paralympic flame will spend the first four days touring Japan and visiting "schools, hospitals and facilities connected with the Paralympics in each prefecture of Japan," according to Tokyo 2020.

Then the torch relay will begin in Shizuoka, Chiba, and Saitama prefectures on August 18 before going to Tokyo. Those prefectures were chosen for the relay proper because each is hosting events of the 2020 Paralympics.

On August 21 the Paralympic flame will enter Tokyo to begin a four day relay through the city. On August 25 the Paralympic relay will make its way to the Tokyo Paralympic Stadium, where the torch will be used to light the cauldron opening the 2020 Paralympic Games.

"The Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Torch Relay will give everyone an opportunity to reflect on a new partnership between people of different backgrounds and abilities, and between people and society, aiming to help everyone appreciate that there is "unity in diversity"," Tokyo 2020 said in a statement about the relay.

"Torchbearers will run in teams of three persons without knowing in advance who the other torchbearers on their team will be. Detailed selection criteria for the torchbearers will be determined in autumn of this year."

Written by Aaron Bauer

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