With exactly one year to go before the start of the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, the Organising Committee finally unveiled the design of the medals that will be awarded next summer. The winning designs, selected after a nationwide competition, were crafted by Junichi Kawanishi, reflecting patterns of light to symbolize the energy of athletes and their supporters.
The intricate designs, set to adorn all 5,000 medals, embody the themes of diversity and friendship while honoring the athletes’ relentless pursuit of victory. Kawanishi expressed his honor at having his design chosen, envisioning the medals as a tribute to athletes’ efforts and a symbol of friendship. The designs hold a special place in the hearts of sports fans in Japan due to the Tokyo 2020 Medal Project, a groundbreaking initiative that recycled metal from consumer electronics to create the medals.
The Tokyo 2020 Medal Project, themed “Be better, together – for the planet and the people,” aimed to make the Games the most environmentally friendly and sustainable yet. The initiative garnered support from educational institutions and electronics retail stores across Japan, with more than 90% of local authorities participating. The project successfully collected and recycled an impressive amount of discarded devices, achieving the necessary gold, silver, and bronze for the medals.
While using recycled metal for Olympic medals is not a novel concept, the scale and citizen involvement in the Tokyo 2020 Medal Project set it apart. The initiative marked a significant milestone in engaging the public in the Games’ sustainability efforts. The medal cases and ribbons, steeped in Japanese craftsmanship and Olympic values, were also unveiled, each uniquely representing individual Olympians and Japan’s unity in diversity.
The sustainability drive extended beyond the medals, with the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee implementing various eco-friendly programs. Uniforms for the Olympic Torch Relay will incorporate recycled plastic bottles, and victory ceremony podiums will be made from recycled household and marine plastic waste. The Japanese public contributed significantly to this initiative, showcasing a collective effort towards sustainability.
Looking ahead, the Tokyo 2020 Medal Project organizers aim to inspire a sustainable society beyond the Olympic Games, urging businesses, local authorities, and the public to continue donating used household appliances for community initiatives. The commitment to sustainability in the creation of Olympic medals sets a precedent for future Games and emphasizes the importance of environmental consciousness in global sporting events.
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