Confusion
continues over the competition sites and other facilities to be used in the
Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2020. Whether the boat races will be held
in Tokyo or Miyagi or other prefectures is not clear as of today (Oct 16, 2016).
The
equestrian competitions were expected to be held in the area close to Tokyo Bay
in the original plan proposed to the International Olympic Committee before
2013. However, the plan was changed as it was too optimistic (financially and
from the view of the environment etc.) and a new decision was made to hold
equestrian competitions in Baji Park, or Equestrian Park, in Setagaya ward,
western Tokyo.
Baji
Park opened in 1940. It was developed to hold the Tokyo Olympic Games planned
in 1940 (it was cancelled because of World War 2). The park was used 24 years
later as a site of equestrian competitions in 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games.
It
will host the competition in 2020 for the second time.
The
jumping competitions to commemorate the 1964 Tokyo Games were held today.
Top-level horses and equestrians gathered.
They
jumped nearly 20 hurdles in about 80 seconds. I heard strong snorts of the
horses as they ran away in front of me.
The
sly was blue.
Families
enjoyed a fine autumn day.
The
park will be closed shortly to construct new facilities for the Olympic Games.
It will be used for the games, and will reopen to the public in 2021.
