By Regina Elaine Vendivil

The Tokyo 2020 Paralympics kicks off with a powerful and inspirational opening ceremony with the theme, “We Have Wings” before a nearly empty Japan’s National Stadium last Tuesday night, 24th of August 2021.

After the entrance of the national flag of Japan and the singing of the national anthem led by a stirring rendition of 12-year old Hirari Sato, various performances were showcased by local volunteers and dancers as they welcomed the Paralympians to mark the start of the opening ceremony.

The athletes then made their entrance as they proudly marched around the stadium, holding their national flags high during the Parade of Nations. 

Team Philippines was led by flag bearer Jerrold Mangliwan, competing in para-athletics, along with the rest of the Philippine delegation in their Barong Tagalog.

After the Parade of Nations concluded, more performances were exhibited along with a stunning light show and fireworks display.   

President of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Andrew Parsons and Japan’s Olympic minister Seiko Hashimoto then took the stage to welcome the athletes and deliver their opening speeches.

“You are the best of humanity and the only ones who can decide who and what you are,” said Parsons. 

To officially open the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, the cauldron was lit by three Japanese athletes, powerlifter Karin Morisaki, wheelchair tennis player Yui Kamiji, and boccia player Shunsuke Uchida. 

The Team Philippines is off to compete in their respective sports categories with the desire of making another history for Philippine athletes with its five Philippine delegates— originally from six delegates but was cut down due to powerlifter Achelle Guion contracting COVID-19.

The initial schedule of their games is as follows:

• August 26 – Gary Bejino for Para-swimming
• August 27 – Ernie Gawilan for Para-swimming and Jerrold Mangliwan for Para-athletics
• August 28 – Jerrold Mangliwan for Para-athletics
• August 29 – Ernie Gawilan for Para-swimming
• August 30 – Ernie Gawilan and Gary Bejino for Para-swimming
• August 31 – Jeanette Aceveda for Para-athletics
• September 2 – Gary Bejino for Para-swimming and Jerrold Mangliwan for Para-athletics
• September 3 – Gary Bejino for Para-swimming and Allain Ganapin for Para-taekwondo

To be updated with the latest Paralympics results and events, visit their official website. 

References:

Church, B. & CNN. (2021, August 24). “The best of humanity”: Paralympic Games officially begin with vibrant Opening Ceremony. CNN. Retrieved from https://edition.cnn.com/2021/08/24/sport/paralympics-opening-ceremony-tokyo-spt-intl/index.html 

Rappler.com. (2021, August 21). SCHEDULE: Philippine team at Tokyo Paralympics. Rappler. Retrieved from https://www.rappler.com/sports/schedule-philippine-team-games-tokyo-paralympics-august-september-2021

Paralympic Games. (2021, August 24). Opening Ceremony | Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games [Video]. YouTube. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cW1-plwqeQ 

Yumol, D. T. & CNN Philippines. (2021b, August 24). Team Philippines stands proud in Tokyo Paralympics opening ceremony. CNN Philippines. Retrieved from https://cnnphilippines.com/sports/2021/8/24/Team-Philippines-Tokyo-Paralympics-opening-ceremony.html