By Michael Houston |
A questionnaire conducted by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government has revealed that nearly 80 percent of volunteers for the postponed Tokyo 2020 Games have expressed concerns about COVID-19.
The survey rolled out in August found that 79 percent of volunteers were worried about the virus, while 49.3 percent were concerned that the postponement of the Games would make people less enthusiastic.
Forty-two percent worried about “physical capacity” due to factors such as hot weather.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Tokyo 2020 has been delayed by a year and the Olympics are now scheduled to take place from July 23 to August 8 in 2021.
The Paralympics are due to follow between August 24 and September 5.
More than 13,000 of the 30,000 City Cast volunteers took part in the questionnaire.
On future training, more than 76 percent of responders said they would like more information to ensure safe Games, such as on countermeasures for COVID-19 and hot weather.
More than 58 percent want more training on emergency response and 56 percent want more information on tourism and transportation.
Despite the status of spectators at the Games remaining unknown, 74 percent said they were looking forward to the opportunity of communicating with fans.
Sixty-seven per cent were anticipating the “exciting atmosphere” of the Games.
This comes despite COVID-19 restrictions limiting fan involvement at sporting events in recent months – with most football leagues around the world being played behind closed doors.
Meanwhile, the French Open tennis tournament only allowed 1,000 spectators into the grounds per day.
In a previous July survey, around 66 percent of volunteers said they were concerned about how countermeasures to combat COVID-19 would be implemented.
Tokyo 2020 Coordination Commission chair John Coates claimed in September that the Olympic Games will take place next year, with or without COVID-19.
Republished with permission from insidethegames.biz.