Closing ceremony of the Paralympic Games 2021
Again without a spectator, but with a lot of joy and many positive messages, the Paralympic Games 2021 ended in Tokyo under the eyes of the Japanese Crown Prince Akishino.
Colorful, flashy, diverse and modern: In its two-hour ceremony, Tokyo said goodbye to the Paralympics and the international guests. In view of the special challenges posed by the effects of the corona pandemic, special thanks were given to the employees of the Japanese health system and the 25,000 paralympics volunteers.
Outstanding motto: “We are an asset to society”
Many dance and show performances, performed by people with and without disabilities, painted a colorful picture on Sunday afternoon (CEST) with which the Paralympic movement wanted to show the world: We are a great asset to society.
Andrew Parsons, President of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), said pathetically of “historical dimensions. The sport was fantastic, world records were broken in all kinds of sports. It is proof that the Paralympic movement is stronger than ever . “
Sports shooter Natascha Hiltrop German flag bearer
The German flag bearer at the closing ceremony was the marksman Natascha Hiltrop: “Unfortunately, I didn’t see the opening ceremony because that was my arrival day,” said the 29-year-old from Lengers in Hesse, “that I am now allowed to carry the flag is a huge honor . ” In Tokyo she won gold with an air rifle and silver in the 50-meter three-position competition. “I didn’t expect gold. I didn’t expect silver at all. But the fact that I am the flag bearer was the most surprising of all,” said the Bonn native, whose title was the first for the German shooters at the Paralympics in 17 years.