The Tokyo Games were declared open by IOC president Thomas Bach and the Emperor of Japan.
The most troubled Olympics in modern history finally open in Tokyo on Friday, struggling to shake off lingering virus fears after a one-year postponement and a build-up marred by scandal and controversy.
IOC president Thomas Bach said at the opening ceremony –
“Welcome to Tokyo 2020. Today is a moment of hope, let us cherish this moment, finally we are all here. Athletes from 205 are living under the same roof in the Olympic Village. This is the power of sports, this is our hope. We could all be here because of you, our precious Japanese hosts, we pay our respects to you. The organising committee and Japanese committee on all levels, you have done an extraordinary job.
“There were unprecedented challenges. First reconstructing after earthquake and then the pandemic, which is why is respect is even more huge. Our gratitude to doctors and volunteers for doing all they did. For the volunteers, you are the best ambassadors for Japan.
“For my athletes, you had to face unprecedented challenges on your journey to the Olympics. There was great uncertainty, you didn’t know when you could train, see your coach, or when you will have your teammates, you didn’t know if the competition will be held at all. You never gave up and today, you are making your Olympic dream come true. You are true Olympic athletes! You inspire us to fight like you and for you to make this moment possible. My sincere thanks to federation and all national olympic committees for standing with us. This made us a community. Dear athletes, this Olympic community is with you, billion will be glued to their screens, sending you energy and cheering you on. We learnt we could face challenges only if we stand together. We need more solitary among and within societies. Solidarity means helping, sharing, caring, this is what we do in our Olympic community. We made the Olympic Games happen. This solidarity fuels our mission to make the world a better place through sports. Only because of it we could be here tonight. Solidarity also reflects our 300-year-old committment to peace. With this we welcome the IOC refugee Olympic team.
“Dear refugee athletes, with your talent and human spirit, you are demonstrating what enrichment refugees are. You ran from home because of hunger or just being different. We welcome you with open arms, welcome to our Olympic community. Here, we are all equal and respect the same rules. This experience makes all of us humble because we feel we are part of something bigger than ourselves. We are part of an event that unites the world. We are always stronger together. This is why we are grateful to your athletes for showing all of that in your new Olympic oath. We can only go faster, higher and stronger in solidarity. This feeling of togetherness is the light at the end of the tunnel. The pandemic forced us to keep distance and stay away even from our loved ones. The separation makes the tunnel so dark but today, wherever you may be, we are united in sharing this moment together. The Olympic flame makes this light shine brighter for all of us. I invite the Emperor of Japan to declare the Games open.”