Tokyo Olympics: security risk fears after volunteer uniforms put up for sale on Japanese auction sites
- At least 10,000 of the original 80,000 volunteers are said to have dropped out over coronavirus fears
- Organisers are concerned that selling uniforms to unvetted people could pose a security risk ahead of the Games, scheduled to begin on July 23
As well as contravening the commitment that volunteers would not sell their uniforms, there is a concern that selling the equipment to unvetted individuals could present a security risk, even if it does not include secure access passes.
Each of the volunteers for the Games – known as the “field cast” – has been issued with kit provided by Asics Corp, including matching trousers, hats, short-sleeved shirts, jackets, socks, shoes and bags.
The uniforms were initially distributed in May last year, although many of the volunteers who originally signed up to support athletes and foreign delegations, as well as spectators arriving from overseas, have since withdrawn.
Organisers confirmed in early June that at least 10,000 of the original 80,000 volunteers have chosen to drop out, many concerned about the continuing coronavirus pandemic.
