With a fascinating show: Paralympics ceremoniously opened

Under the encouraging title “We have wings,” the Japanese performers, including disabled people, put on a colorful show on Tuesday that had something of a cheerful circus. The ceremony in front of empty spectator stands due to Corona, but in the presence of Emperor Naruhito and guests of honor such as IOC President Thomas Bach, radiated warmth and was intended to give hope and at the same time courage to change not only for the disabled, but also for the entire pandemic-stricken world.

“I can’t believe we’re actually here,” said Andrew Parsons, President of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), referring to the one-year postponement: “From tomorrow, Paralympic athletes will start changing the world again.” Japan, as host, also hopes that the Paralympics will initiate a social change in its own country towards inclusion and overcome discrimination. Emperor Naruhito gives the starting signal In front of around 3400 athletes, officials and guests of honor as well as around 2400 journalists present, Parsons thanked the hosts in Japanese with the words “Arigatou Japan, arigatou Tokyo” – thank you Japan, thank you Tokyo. At 22.08:XNUMX p.m. local time, Emperor Naruhito declared the XVI. Summer games open.

Andrew Parsons, President of the International Paralympic Committee, and Japan's Emperor Naruhito (r.). © APA/afp / PHILIP FONG

The Olympic Stadium, sealed off by the police and in front of which there were protests at the opening of the Olympic Games, was transformed into a lively “para-airport”. Fireworks rose above the arena before the para-athletes from 159 nations “landed” to warming music. First, the refugee team moved into the almost empty Olympic Stadium in compliance with the hygiene and distance rules. As a “sign of solidarity” with the Afghan para-athletes who cannot come to Tokyo because the Taliban came to power, the Afghan flag was carried into the stadium by a volunteer as the fifth. n Italian mega squad The Italian team, which is larger than ever with 115 athletes, was led by fencing star Bebe Vio and swimmer Federico Morlacchi. There are no South Tyroleans at the start in Tokyo. The last domestic Paralympic participant was Claudia Schuler in London in 2012 ( Here she speaks in an interview about the upcoming games in Tokyo ).

The opening ceremony told the story like a fairy tale that people with disabilities can grow beyond themselves. The protagonist was a girl in a wheelchair in the shape of a small airplane that only has one wing. It had given up the dream of flying. But then she sees strange figures around her, like something out of a Japanese manga comic, who, despite some physical disabilities, are bursting with life and dancing and whirling around to upbeat rock music. Inspired and cheered on by them, the little plane begins to feel that it can fly too. This is the message of the Paralympics.

Finally, at 22.50:XNUMX p.m. local time, the Paralympic flame was lit in a container filled with hydrogen, symbolizing the sun.

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With a fascinating show: Paralympics ceremoniously opened

The most extraordinary Paralympic Games of all time began with a colorful, sensitive and artistic and playful opening ceremony.

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Football

Italy

International leagues

International

Winter sports

Tennis

Other sports

Motorsport

Cycling

Watersports

Events

Favorites

With a fascinating show: Paralympics ceremoniously opened

The most extraordinary Paralympic Games of all time began with a colorful, sensitive and artistic and playful opening ceremony.

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