Opening ceremony of the Paralympic Games begins

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Opening ceremony of the Paralympic Games begins

Opening ceremony of the Paralympic Games begins

The opening ceremony of Tokyo’s Paralympic Games launched with fireworks on August 24. (AFP)

The flag of Japan was carried into the stadium to celebrate the launch of the event. (Twitter/Tokyo2020)

This event marks the return of the Games after 57 years, making Japan the first city to hold the Paralympics twice. (Twitter/Tokyo2020)

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24 Aug 2021 08:08:15 GMT9

Arab News Japan

The opening ceremony of Tokyo’s Paralympic Games launched with fireworks on August 24.

The flag of Japan was carried into the stadium to celebrate the launch of the event.

Japan’s Paralympic team athletes Mami Tani and Koyo Iwabuchi carry the flag during the athletes parade at the opening ceremonies for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 24, 2021. (File photo/AFP)

Japanese Emperor Naruhito got it all started again, this time under the theme “We Have Wings.” Among the few on hand were Douglas Emhoff, husband of U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, International Paralympic Committee President Andrew Parsons and International Olympic President Thomas Bach.

The Tokyo Paralympics was officially declared open by Japan’s emperor in a nearly empty stadium on Tuesday, after a year-long pandemic delay.

“I declare open the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games,” Emperor Naruhito said.

Japan’s Emperor Naruhito speaks during the opening ceremony for the 2020 Paralympics at the National Stadium in Tokyo, Tuesday, Aug. 24, 2021. (File photo/AP)

This event marks the return of the Games after 57 years, making Japan the first city to hold the Paralympics twice.

It was a circus-like opening with acrobats, clowns, a Karakuri Performance, vibrant music and fireworks atop the stadium to mark the the start of the long parade of athletes.

“I cannot believe we are finally here,” Parsons said in his opening remarks. “Many doubted this day would happen. Many thought it impossible. But thanks to the efforts many, the most transformative sport event on earth is about to begin.”

The opening ceremony featured the national flags of the 162 delegations represented, which included the refugee team.

In addition, the flag of Afghanistan was carried by a volunteer despite the delegation not being on hand in Tokyo.

The Afghanistan flag is raised at the Paralympic Games opening ceremony. (Twitter/@Paralympics)

The 13-day Games, with 539 gold medals up for grabs across 22 sports, arrive two weeks after the close of an Olympics that also took place almost entirely behind closed doors over virus fears.

*with AP

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