Now is your moment to show the world your skill, your strength, your determination,” Parsons added in his passionate speech. “Paralympians! You gave your all to be here. Parsons and Japan’s Olympic minister Seiko Hashimoto then took to the stage for their speeches before the country’s Emperor Naruhito officially declared the Games open. Once all athletes had entered the stadium, they were treated to a stunning light show, firework display and dance performance. It comes as Tokyo has witnessed a surge of new confirmed cases in recent weeks, with the government extending the state of emergency in Tokyo and surrounding prefectures to September 12.įireworks illuminate the skies of Tokyo over the National Stadium during the Opening Ceremony. The team said that its athletes gathering in large groups with people from across the world was at odds with its own protocols. One nation, New Zealand, decided to opt out of the Opening Ceremony as a Covid-19 precaution. Over 4,000 athletes are expected to compete across 22 different sports at this year’s Games and many were enjoying the carnival atmosphere during the parade of nations, cheered on by the ever enthusiastic volunteers. “We would like to have them here, unfortunately it is not possible, but they will be here in spirit,” Parsons said earlier this week. South Korean Paralympic basketball team inspired by coach who died of cancerĭue to the Taliban’s return to power, flights from the country have been canceled meaning Afghanistan’s athletes were unable to attend the Games.‘Body and mind is stronger than you can imagine’: He needed 72 operations after motorbike crash.Oz Sanchez: Paralympic success is ‘testament to the man I’ve become’.‘Rising Phoenix’ Netflix documentary will make you laugh and cry.I won’t die a boring death, but I will make a big smash,’ says ‘Butterfly Lady’ of table tennis.It kicked off proceedings in typical lively fashion, with volunteers and dancers welcoming the delegations into the National Stadium. Tokyo is the first city to host the Paralympics Games twice and organizers will be hoping for another successful competition following the Olympic Games less than a month ago. But thanks to the efforts of many, the most transformative sport event on Earth is about to begin. Many doubted this day would happen,” said Parsons in his Opening Ceremony speech. The delayed 16th Summer Paralympics will take place amid a surge of Covid-19 cases in the country but those inside the stadium were in celebratory mood as the competition officially began in unprecedented circumstances. President of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Andrew Parsons told athletes that they were the “the best of humanity” as the Tokyo Paralympics kicked off with a vibrant Opening Ceremony on Tuesday.
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