Paralympic Games opening ceremony kicks off in Tokyo

·

The delayed 16th Summer Paralympics kicked off its opening ceremony in the National Stadium in Tokyo on Tuesday. 

President of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Andrew Parsons told athletes they were the “best of humanity”. 

“I cannot believe we are finally here. Many doubted this day would happen,” said Parsons in his Opening Ceremony speech.

“Many thought it impossible. But thanks to the efforts of many, the most transformative sport event on Earth is about to begin.” 

”We want to change the entire world.”

The opening ceremony was based around the theme of ‘We Have Wings’ to raise awareness of the courage of Paralympians who are trying to spread their wings “no matter which way the wind blows”. 

The countries were led out by six athletes of the Paralympic Refugee Team. 

Volunteers and athletes carried cherry blossom-inspired torches to ignite the first-ever hydrogen-fuelled cauldron at the Games. 

The flame was left roaring as the ceremony was brought to a close.

Meanwhile, protestors outside the stadium jostled with police as the ceremony took place. 

Tokyo will remain in a state of emergency until September 12 as the city records surging cases of COVID-19. 

Over the next 13 days, there will be 1,617 medals awarded across 539 events in 22 sports. 

Around 1,500 from 162 nations are taking part, with the IPC estimating that 4.25 billion people will tune in during the Games. 

At least 39 Greek athletes are competing across eight different sports in the Games – with Greeks over-representing in the swimming pool. 

Source: CNN, Greek Herald

greek film festival sydney new

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Dr Christos Theologos: ‘Dance keeps us bound to our roots, from Chios to Sydney’

As part of the Zeibekiko Festival Australia, respected folklorist Dr Christos Theologos will lead a series of lectures and workshops.

South Melbourne turns to supporters ahead of Australian Championship kick-off

The opening clash of the Australian Championship will be an event shaped by the voices of the fans themselves.

Low birth rates and ageing: The silent enemy of the Greek nation

From the late 1990s it had become clear to Greek demographers and social scientists that the number of births in Greece was falling.

Peta Trimis: The new star of Australian football with a Hellenic soul

At just 19 years old, Peta Trimis is already being hailed as one of the brightest young stars of Australian football.

A second chance at life: Angelo Alateras’ journey from mechanical heart to transplant hope

After years on life support, 80kgs lost, and 615 days of physio, Angelo finally received the gift of a new heart.

You May Also Like

Victorian treasurer Tim Pallas outlines plan to generate $4 billion in savings

Victorian Treasurer Tim Pallas has revealed he is seeking to find $4bn worth of cuts in the state’s budget, as the Andrews government battles delays and cost blowouts on major projects and a sluggish economy.

13-year-old Eva Kalpidis to climb Australia’s tallest mountain in wheelchair

13-year-old Eva Kalpidis is set to traverse Australia's tallest mountain, Mount Kosciuszko, this month with her wheelchair.

‘Lives in our hands’: Pauline Maniskas on helping people with a disability surf in NSW

Pauline Maniskas shares with The Greek Herald what it's like to help people with a disability surf in New South Wales.