By Ian Marshall

We are just one month away from the first ball being hit in anger, the first drop of sweat falling from the brow, the first point being decided at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium, the venue for the Table Tennis events at Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The concept of togetherness is more important than ever before, it is a fact stressed and underlined in the most recent Playbooks; the third edition published for June 2021.

Throughout the concept of togetherness is stressed. Indeed, Dr Bach has proposed to adjust the traditional IOC motto to become “Citius, Altius, Fortius, Together” in the ideal that even though standing a distance apart, if everyone is together in following the recommended guidelines, a successful Games will be held.

We will look back at Tokyo 2020 as a memorable sporting event, not one blighted by the effects of a pandemic.

Strict measures have been established for the well-being of all, a safe and secure Games, that is the underlying theme of the different Playbooks released.

It is essential that the publications are read in detail and that every aspect is followed carefully; quite simply follow the instructions, they have been written for the benefit of all.

Tokyo 2020 Playbook for Athletes and Officials

Tokyo 2020 Playbook for International Federations

Most importantly, the measures do not just commence when entering Japan; they commence a minimum 14 days prior to departure. Great attention must be paid to hygiene, whenever, not actually taking part in an event, whether athlete or official, a mask must be worn.

Please note the two Apps anyone travelling to Toky for the Olympic and/or Paralympic Games shall download and utilise:

Online Check-in and Health report App (OCHA)

COVID-19 Contact-Confirming Application (COCOA)

Make sure you are aware of your Covid-19 Liaison Officer who has been appointed to provide continual support.