Tokyo Paralympics: 2020 Games get under way with powerful opening ceremony

The President of the International Paralympic Committee Andrew Parsons told athletes that they were the "the best of humanity" as the Tokyo Paralympics kicked off with a vibrant Opening Ceremony last night.

Team Fiji athlete Iosefo Rakesa was Fiji's flagbearer and was accompanied by his teammate, Inosi Bulimairewa, coach Fred Fatiaki and Team Fiji Chef De Mission Dr Rounak Lal.

Parsons says many had doubts that this day would happen but thanks to the efforts of many, the most transformative sporting event on earth is about to begin.

No crowds were there to watch the opening ceremony, as will be the case throughout the Games, but it was still a show, a cauldron of colour and celebration.

About 4,400 athletes from 162 national Paralympic committees will compete in 539 medal events across 22 sports in Tokyo.

Tokyo City is the first city to hold the summer Paralympics twice, having first done so in 1964.

[Source: BBC]