Germany represented by 133 athletes
As always, one of the highlights was the invasion of the participating nations, even if the frenetic audience was missing this time, it was special. The German team was first from two flag bearers listed. Wheelchair basketball player Mareike Miller and five-time cycling Paralympic winner Michael Teuber clearly enjoyed the special moment. “Leading the German team into the stadium was unique. That is the greatest honor we can be given,” said Teuber after the ceremony in the first.
The spotlight was also on athlete Johannes Floors, who, together with five other athletes, carried the Paralympic flag into the stadium. A total of 133 Germans start in Tokyo, a good 50 without the opening ceremony.
Afghan flag during the invasion of the nations
The two athletes from Afghanistan are not there – the radical Islamic Taliban’s takeover of power in their country prevents them from participating in the Paralympics. The Afghan flag was carried into the stadium as a sign of solidarity.
Parsons: “We want to change the whole world”
Around 4,500 athletes from over 160 countries will start in Tokyo. That is about 100 athletes more than five years ago in Rio de Janeiro. And they were warmly welcomed by head of organization Seiko Hashimoto: “Welcome to Tokyo, welcome to Japan. The whole world is in a difficult situation,” said Hashimoto, who thanked everyone who made these games possible. She hopes these games will help usher in social change in Japan.
IPC President Andrew Parsons said: “We want to change the whole world. A new initiative is to create a new perception for people with disabilities. You are heroes! You are the best that humanity has to offer,” Parsons told the athlete to.
Tokyo makes history
Tokyo is the first city to host the Summer Paralympic Games for the second time. In 1964, the Japanese capital also hosted the Games.