In a harmonious cacophony, the Japanese celebrated the difference and paid tribute to the Paralympic athletes.
A few minutes before the start of the ceremony, the President of the Canadian Paralympic Committee, Marc-André Fabien, underlined the growing notoriety of the Paralympic Games. I believe that we are moving towards greater visibility for Paralympic athletes in Canada and around the world
, he explained to the antenna manager Marie-Josée Turcotte.
I think we’re going to have a fabulous team for the Paris Games. The next generation is waiting for you!
As at the Olympics, Canada’s representatives donned the jeans jackets to participate in the ceremony. Canadian flag bearer Brent Lakatos entered the stadium with pride.
A sprint specialist, Lakatos stood out in the Japanese capital. He competed in a total of six events, going from the 100m to the marathon. He rounded off his Paralympic crop with four silver medals.
I hope Brent will take advantage of this moment. It is magic! I wish him to absorb all of this and have a good time. He deserves to carry this flag.
Each flag bearer was invited to place a small circular mirror on a reproduction of the Tokyo skytree to represent the collective effort to promote the Paralympic Games.
The Tokyo skytree, decorated by the flag bearers of each of the countries, was erected in a reproduction of the city of Tokyo.
Photo : Getty Images / Alex Pantling
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Participation of Afghan para-athletes
The two para-athletes from Afghanistan entered the stadium with their country’s flag.
Taekwondoist Zukia Khudadadi and para-athlete Hossain Rasouli were warmly welcomed at the Paralympic Village a few days after the start of the Games.
They were unable to arrive in time for the Opening Ceremony, but eventually competed in their respective events and represented their country at the Closing Ceremony.
An extraordinary edition
I have no doubt that this was the most important edition of the Paralympic Games due to the pandemic. We gave a voice to 1.2 billion people with disabilities
, explained in a press conference the president of the International Paralympic Committee, Andrew Parsons.
Hours before the flame goes out at the Tokyo National Stadium, he pointed out that the Paralympic movement is stronger than ever
.
There have been doubts over the past two years, when I thought these Games weren’t going to take place
, CIP spokesperson Craig Spence recalled on Saturday.
Most of the para-athletes displayed their joy at being able to compete for the podiums, even if the spectators were conspicuous by their absence in the stands. Several of them had expressed fears of a cancellation of the Games because of the health crisis.
In total, the Canadians won 21 medals, including 5 gold. The country is ranked 19th in the final ranking. In fact, eight podiums took place at the swimming pool.
Unbeatable, China concluded the Games with 207 medals, including 96 gold, and continues its domination that began at the 2004 Games.
Festive conclusion and look to the future
The ceremony opened with an exploded musical number. In a very festive atmosphere, colorful Japanese dancers offered electrifying performances, marked by light effects.
More than 4,400 para-athletes participated in the Tokyo Games.
Photo : Getty Images / Koki Nagahama
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A little later, French para-athletes feasted at the foot of the Eiffel Tower on a musical performance broadcast on a giant screen by the artist Pone. Those with Charcot’s disease only work with their eyes.
Just before the Paralympic flame went out, the song What a wonderful world, by Louis Armstrong, was heard in the stadium.
All eyes are now on Paris, which will host the 2024 Summer Games.
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