TOKYO. Two weeks after the conclusion of the Olympics, the world spotlight is once again on Tokyo. The 16th edition of the Paralympic Games kicks off with the opening ceremony, scheduled at 1 pm Italian time at the Olympic stadium in the Japanese capital. Until 5 September, 4537 athletes representing 163 countries will compete for glory in five circles: up for grabs, 540 medals. Guaranteed emotions and entertainment, as well as the passion that accompanies the values of union and solidarity that have always distinguished the event. But the threat of Covid always remains lurking. Even if the organization of the Olympics has held up effectively, we cannot afford to let our guard down.
The situation in Tokyo is still of concern: since the start of the Games on 23 July, the number of daily infections in the capital has tripled, exceeding 25 thousand. For this, the president of the organizing committee has assured that all possible measures will be taken in order to keep the participants and the public safe. “We will protect the Games that open tomorrow until the end and guide them to success,” said Seiko Hashimoto at the press conference, adding that the committee will strengthen measures against the virus compared to those of the Olympics, given the basic health conditions of many participants. Andrew Parsons, president of the International Paralympic Committee, also expressed confidence that the rules will be followed by athletes and officials, stressing that the Games can be held without endangering their health or that of the public. “We wouldn’t be here if we didn’t believe we could offer a safe event,” he said.
To stem the threat of the virus, the organizers have reduced the presence of officials arriving from abroad and decided to stop the public. Great protagonist of the Games two weeks ago, Italy wants to amaze again. The blue expedition is a record, thanks to the largest group ever: 115 athletes engaged in fifteen disciplines. For the first time, more women than men (63 against 52), 69 in all beginners. The youngest is the 18 year old Matteo Parenzan (table tennis), with his 51 years the multi-medal winner Francesca Porcellato, in her eleventh Paralympic Games, is the veteran of the Italian team. To parade with the tricolor – also at the Paralympics the double standard bearer is expected in respect of gender equality – two of the greatest blue hopes of medal, the fencer Beatrice “Bebe” Vio, a gold and a bronze in Rio 2016 and the swimmer Federico Morlacchi , one gold, three silvers and three bronzes from London 2012 to today.
«It’s beautiful, I can’t wait for it to be tomorrow night», comments Bebe Vio. «I am very excited because it is something bigger than me. Representing such a beautiful country is truly something great, ”he adds. “Our national fencing team is ready, it’s loaded, we can’t wait to get started.”
«What we will experience will be a unique emotion – Morlacchi echoes – because seeing that fire burning after a complicated year will be a liberation. We are all energized and concentrated and we can’t wait to give our best ». “The climate within the Italy team is very serene, we present ourselves as one of the strongest nations and one of those to beat”, he assures.
In tomorrow’s opening ceremony, the flag of Afghanistan is also a “sign of solidarity”, as the country’s athletes will not be able to compete, Parsons said. Afghan athletes cannot travel to Japan after the Taliban has taken control of the country. Parsons explained that a representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees will carry the flag during the ceremony.