TOKYO: The Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games began with an opening ceremony full of colour and celebration interjected with a touch of poignancy, a concept of ‘We Have Wings’ which organisers said was intended to raise awareness of the courage of Paralympians.
The Games finally opened 364 days later than planned and after a year of the utmost difficulties.
“I cannot believe we are finally here,” said Andrew Parsons, president of the International Paralympic Committee, in his opening speech.
“Many doubted this day would happen. Many thought it impossible. But thanks to the efforts of many, the most transformative sport event on earth is about to begin.”
Ruba Al Omari and Ahmed Mushaima led Bahrain’s contingent during the athletes parade at the opening ceremony.
Ruba, wearing a traditional dress to reflect Bahrain’s heritage and culture, carried the national flag.
Head of the delegation and president of Bahrain Paralympic Committee Shaikh Mohammed bin Daij Al Khalifa, attended the opening ceremony along with deputy head of the delegation and Bahrain Paralympic Committee secretary general Ali Al Majid.
No crowds were there to watch the opening ceremony, as will be the case throughout the Games, but it was still a show, a cauldron of colour and celebration.
There were sombre moments, too, reflective of the events of the past 17 months.
A rescue worker was among those to carry the Japanese flag into the stadium, while the Paralympic flag was handed over to eight key workers who supported the people of Japan in their day-to-day lives during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Of the 714 cast members performing in the opening ceremony, 166 have impairments. In Japan, it is hoped the Games will act as a catalyst for change in societal attitudes towards disability in the country.
The Afghanistan flag was carried in by a Games volunteer, as an act of solidarity after Afghanistan’s two Paralympic athletes were forced to withdraw from the Games because of the situation in the country since the collapse of the government and the return of the Taliban.
The Paralympic cauldron, placed lower than its Olympic counterpart so competitors can “feel an affinity” with it, opened like a flower to “embody vitality and hope”, and was lit by a trio of Japanese Para-athletes.
In all, about 4,400 athletes from 162 national Paralympic committees will compete in 539 medal events across 22 sports in Tokyo, the first city to hold the summer Paralympics twice, having first done so in 1964.
“Paralympians, you gave your all to be here. Blood, sweat and tears. Now is your moment to show the world your skill, your strength, your determination,” said Parsons.
“If the world has ever labelled you, now is your time to be relabelled: champion, hero, friend, colleague, role model, or just human. You are the best of humanity and the only ones who can decide who and what you are.
“You are the truth. You are amazing. You choose to be the greatest in whatever the plan is.
“Your performances could change the fortunes of your lives. But most importantly they will change the lives of 1.2 billion forever. This is the power of sport, to transform lives and communities. Change starts with sport. And from tomorrow on, Paralympic athletes start once again to change the world.”
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