The opening ceremony for the Deaflympics has been held in Tokyo. The international sports meet for athletes with hearing impairments is expected to broaden people’s understanding of such disabilities, and promote a society where everyone can live easily.
The ceremony played out on Saturday at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium. This is the first time Japan has hosted the Deaflympics in the history of their summer and winter editions. The first event was held in Paris, France, in 1924.
Contestants marched inside the arena to a greeting by performers of the traditional Japanese Awa Odori dance. A record 3,081 athletes from around the world have registered to compete.
The Japanese delegation emerged last, led by flagbearer Ogura Ryo, who is aiming to win her second consecutive gold medal in karate. A record 268 athletes plan to represent Japan.
The ceremony was attended by Japanese Crown Prince Akishino’s family and Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae, among others.
Takaichi said in her speech that athletes have reached the Deaflympics by enduring tough practice and overcoming a range of difficulties. She said she would like to express her profound respect for each contestant’s effort, passion and fortitude.
The prime minister said she wants the participants to display what they are capable of to the fullest of their abilities and show the world the results of their hard work.
She said she believes the Deaflympics will be an opportunity for many more people across Japan to learn about sign language and various other ways of communication.
Takaichi said Japan will continue striving to realize a society where each person can fully demonstrate what they can do, to make their dreams come true in fields of their own choice, regardless of whether they have disabilities.
The Deaflympics are organized by the International Committee of Sports for the Deaf. The committee’s President Adam Kosa declared the event open.
The Deaflympics will run through November 26, with contests in 21 sports scheduled at venues in Tokyo and elsewhere.
AloJapan.com