Comments by Governor Koike Yuriko on the Closing Ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games

Governor Koike’s comments

Today, the closing ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games was held at the Olympic Stadium. The ending of the Paralympic Games, which opened on 24 August, brought the Tokyo 2020 Games, which were held for about one month, to a finale.

Over many years—some eight years since Tokyo was selected as the host city on 7 September 2013, or more than ten years if we count the years preparing for the bid—we received the support and cooperation of countless people for hosting the Tokyo 2020 Games.

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all who were involved with the Games—from the people of Tokyo and Japan, to health care workers engaged in COVID-19 measures, the companies and the business sectors who gave their cooperation for smooth transportation during the Games, the volunteers who supported the Games, and the municipalities of Tokyo and Japan.

The COVID-19 pandemic forced the Tokyo 2020 Games to be held under the unprecedented conditions of a one-year postponement and the banning of spectators at the venues. Amid such circumstances, everyone related to the Games commited themselves to the successful delivery of a safe and secure Games, and we were able to surmount numerous difficulties.

This is especially true for the athletes. The sight of the athletes taking up challenges and refusing to be daunted by this invisible enemy must have delivered courage and hope to people all over the world. I am sure that everyone was able to sense how important and wonderful it is to believe—that your dreams will come true if you don’t give up.

I feel the success of the Games was brought about by the demonstration of many strengths, including the unlimited power of sports and the energy that is generated from people supporting and helping each other.

This was Tokyo’s second time to host the Summer Paralympic Games. We took this opportunity to further advance initiatives for an inclusive society, such as firmly introducing barrier-free measures in both hard and soft infrastructure, and promoting social inclusion in which people support each other.

The whole world is watching to see how Tokyo and Japan will change from the success of the Games. We will devote our resources to linking the Tokyo 2020 legacy to sustainable recovery and presenting a new model for the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Your ongoing support and cooperation will be very much appreciated.