Fukushima officials ask for Olympic preliminary events

The governor of Fukushima is urging Tokyo officials to spotlight his prefecture’s recovery from a 2011 tsunami and nuclear accident by holding preliminary events for the 2020 Summer Olympics there.

“We need to set a goal so that we can show how much Fukushima has recovered,” Gov. Masao Uchibori was quoted as saying by Kyodo News.

An earthquake and tsunami devastated the region and crippled its nuclear plant, causing several meltdowns in the worst nuclear accident since Chernobyl in 1986. Radiation leaked into adjacent neighborhoods and thousands of residents were displaced.

Uchibori did not indicate which sports could be held in Fukushima.

Officials have also called for the Olympic torch relay to pass through the area before the 2020 Games in Tokyo.