Fijivillage
NEWS SPORTS IN DEPTH
28 April, 2026, 10:43 pm
Central - 24°C Rain
IN DEPTH
28 April, 2026, 10:43 pm Central - 24°C Rain

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

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

By Navitalai Naivalurua
25/08/2021
Team Fiji athlete Iosefo Rakesa was Fiji's flagbearer. [image: Fiji Paralympic Committee]

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.

[images: Paralympic Games/Facebook]

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]

FNRL
FEATURE NEWS
Expect the sound of gunshots and explosives in May and June from QEB
Expect the sound of gunshots and explosives in the months of May and June as the Republic of Fiji Military Forces will conduct training exercises at Q...
2 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
Expect the sound of gunshots and explosives in May and June from QEB
Expect the sound of gunshots and explosives in the months of May and June as the Republic of Fiji Military Forces will conduct training exercises at ...
2 hours ago

Police urge parents to strengthen communication with children ahead of school holidays
Police are urging parents and guardians to strengthen communication with their children and know who their friends are as the school holidays ...
4 hours ago

Health workers owed $1.7M in unpaid overtime
Health workers have not been paid approximately $1.7 million as overtime from January to March this year due to insufficient budget and this is ...
5 hours ago

Kiran defends Family Assistance Scheme as Lal questions exclusion of middle-income families
Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran has clarified that the reforms approved by Cabinet are aimed at strengthening the ...
5 hours ago

Blackrock Medical Centre to serve security forces during drug operations, temporarily closed to civilians
In support of its joint illicit drug operations with the Fiji Police Force, the Blackrock Medical Centre in Votualevu, Nadi will be designated to ...
5 hours ago



Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Citizens to oppose proposed TNG Waste-to-Energy incinerator in Saweni, Vuda
Serious concerns are being raised regarding a proposed Australian company's TNG Waste-to-Energy incinerator in Saweni, Vuda, and a group of concerned ...
12 hours ago

Drug lord Jone Vakarisi dies in military custody as investigations find unauthorised weapons outside RFMF inventory
Druglord, Jone Vakarisi has died in military custoday, 3 other associates have been released after questioning, 1 RFMF personnel remains in military ...
8 days ago

Ratu Epeli Nailatikau's State Funeral
Ratu Epeli was a highly respected Fijian chief and a people’s President as many would remember him on many occasions walking on the streets of Suva ...
13 days ago

TOP