“I can’t believe we’re finally here. Many doubted that day would pass,” Parsons said in his opening ceremony speech.
“Many thought it was impossible. But thanks to the efforts of many, the most transformative sporting event on Earth is about to begin.
Tokyo is the first city to host the Paralympic Games twice and organizers will look forward to another successful competition after the Olympics less than a month ago.
He began the proceedings in a typical and lively way, with volunteers and dancers welcoming the delegations to the National Stadium.
Parade of nations
The countries were led by the Paralympic refugee team, with athletes Alia Issa and Abbas Karimi as flag bearers.
The group of six athletes “represents the more than 82 million people worldwide who have been forced to flee war, persecution and human rights abuses, 12 million of whom live with disabilities,” according to the ‘IPC.
Due to the Taliban’s return to power, the country’s flights have been canceled, meaning Afghan athletes were unable to attend the Games.
“We’d love to have them here, unfortunately it’s not possible, but they’ll be here in spirit,” Parsons said earlier this week.
More than 4,000 athletes are expected to compete in 22 different sports at this year’s Games and many enjoyed the carnival atmosphere during the Nations Parade, cheered on by the ever-enthusiastic volunteers.
One nation, New Zealand, decided not to participate in the opening ceremony as a precaution of Covid-19.
The team said its athletes who met in large groups with people from around the world disagreed with their own protocols.
It comes when Tokyo has witnessed an increase in new confirmed cases in recent weeks, with the government extending the state of emergency in Tokyo and surrounding prefectures until September 12.
“Your time to re-tag you”
Once all the athletes had entered the stadium, they were given an impressive light show, fireworks and dance performances.
Parsons and Japanese Olympic Minister Seiko Hashimoto took to the stage to make their speeches before the country’s emperor Naruhito officially declared the Games open.
“Paralympics! You have given everything to be here. Blood, sweat and tears. Now is your time to show the world your skill, your strength, your determination,” Parsons added in his passionate speech.
“If the world has ever labeled you, now is the time to re – label you: champion, hero, friend, colleague, model or just human.
“You are the best of humanity and the only ones who can decide who and what you are.”
There was time for more festivities and artistic performances before the ceremonial lighting of the Olympic flame. Volunteers and athletes carried torches inspired by cherry blossoms to light the first hydrogen-powered cauldron at the Games. The flame was left roaring when the ceremony was over.
“We have been waiting for these Games for almost five years and we always stay true to the same dream: to compete, win a medal and enjoy the Games as much as possible,” said Spanish athlete Michelle Alonso Morales.
“So even though these games are different, we’ll enjoy them just the same.”
“Real Life Superheroes”
Some of the big stars in the sport have already given their support to Tokyo athletes.
Bayern Munich star Alphonso Davies also wrote an open letter to the Paralympic refugee team, describing its six members as inspiration.
“Don’t be fooled, what you are about to do in Tokyo will change people’s lives,” he wrote.
“Good luck to all the fantastic athletes who have trained so much in their sports for the chance to win a medal,” he wrote.
Events will begin on Wednesday and run through Sept. 5.