COVID-19 protocols outlined for Paralympic Games

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has notified the Jamaica Paralympic Association (JPA) of protocols put in place for the Paralympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, next year.

There will be an athlete track system put in place for athletes and coaches who will be attending competitions and completing preparation for the Games. Provided health protocols and preventative measures are observed, these officials will avoid a 14-day quarantine requirement after entering Tokyo, Japan.

JPA President Christopher Samuda said that the medical protocols before and during the games will require the association to make structural adjustments to its training programmes, the arrangement of participating in local and international competitions, and to highlight educational measures regarding general infection and avoidance procedures in efforts to help para-athletes adjust to the ‘new normal’.

“In relation to the athletes, it has been stated that they will be requested, prior to arriving in Japan, to monitor their daily health and be vaccinated,” Samuda said. “They will be tested 72 hours within departure of their home country then be required to undergo a second test upon arrival at a Japanese airport. Also, they will then undergo a third test before entering their host town or base camp, which will result in a fourth test upon entering the athlete’s village, and another test at their competition venues prior to their respective events.

PROTOCOLS

“For the period of the games, it is stated that athletes will be monitored closely and will be requested to complete a self-declaration form in which they will provide details of their health status. It is further stated that athletes, along with their coaches, trainers, medical staff, etcetera, will be required to use only official Games’ vehicles in travelling, and, therefore, will be prohibited from using public transportation.

“The JPA is concluding training and competition mandates and will be working with our athletes and team members to minimise, if not eliminate, any adverse impact on training regimes and competition preparedness. I have always maintained, even prior to the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, that the role and work of the sport psychologist are critical to redesigning, adjusting, conditioning, and culturalising athletes, and, indeed, coaches, in ensuring, as best in the circumstances, optimal performances of the athlete in training and competition.”

Samuda says that the IPC has proposed compiling a list of issues based on the type of impairment experienced by each para-athlete and will be offering support to them during the competition.

Additionally, the Tokyo Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games has initiated to change in-competition schedules regarding the start and end times for events such as archery, marathon swimming, athletics, and rhythmic gymnastics. There will also be changes to crowd attendance at venues, with the addition of spectator conduct protocols to minimise contact.

Athena Clarke