Published 18:38 IST, September 13th 2019
Tokyo 2020 Olympics: snow machines go on trial to beat the heat
Organizers of the Tokyo Olympics 2020 sprayed fake snow on the volunteers on September 13 as a part of a trial to beat the heat ahead of the games next year
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The organizers of Tokyo Olympics 2020 sprayed fake snow on the volunteers on September 13 as a part of a trial to beat the heat ahead of the games next year. The organizers planned it in hopes of keeping the spectators who come to watch the sports next year remain cool and comfortable. It was done to measure if it can lower down heat and humidity levels.
Fake snowfall as a trial
The ice that was showering was not light fluffy snowflakes, but rather some heavy shaved ice. Some people in the crowd enjoyed the fake snow pelting down, and they even found the effect refreshing. One of the senior officials of the organising committee said that they want to test all the ideas that can help people beat the heat during the tournament and this was one idea that was on their minds. He even said that it won't help in lowering the temperature but it may help the people feel cool. Around 300 kgs of ice were used with the help of snowmachine mounted on a truck to spray over the stands of the Sea Forest Waterway venue.
The organisers have already tried out some other ideas at various other events such as the shaded or air-conditioned areas to rest, distribution of water packs and ice packs, and vapour sprays. The organizers refused to comment on the budget of the fake snowfall.
The hassle
The major problem with the idea is that the fake snowfall lasts only for a while giving the spectators temporary relief. After the snow is sprayed all over, however, people are left wet and the floor gets too slippery. The official denied any risks to the environment with this method like the emission of harmful gases from the machine used. Officials earlier admitted that the cost would affect the overall budget.
The Tokyo 2020 organizers have been lauded worldwide for the efforts they are putting in the preparation of the tournament that is next year. The heat of summers in 2020 at Tokyo is still a major concern for the organizers as they want everybody related to the games to be comfortable.
16:48 IST, September 13th 2019