The Tokyo2020 Paralympics Start Off with a Bang!
Our take
The Tokyo 2020 Paralympics opened with a vibrant display of determination and creativity, signified by the performance of Yui Wagou, who embodied the spirit of resilience as a “one-winged plane.” This powerful imagery resonates deeply in a world that often overlooks the capabilities of individuals with disabilities. The ceremony was not just an event; it was a celebration of perseverance and the human spirit, a reminder that triumph comes in many forms. This ceremony stands in stark contrast to the ongoing discussions around inclusion and equity, such as the recent Court Rules Texas State Must Reinstate Prof Fired for Israel-Palestine Talk and the legal challenges faced by students at Kentucky State University in their fight against new state laws that could limit their rights. These events highlight a critical moment in our societal evolution, where the conversation about who gets to participate and how is becoming increasingly complex.
The Tokyo Paralympics are significant not only for the athletic performances but also for their role in reshaping perceptions about disability. The event brought together athletes from around the globe, each with their own stories of hardship and triumph. The sheer scale of the Paralympics, with its 4,400 athletes competing in 22 sports, sends a clear message: disability does not define potential. This is particularly relevant as society grapples with inclusivity in various spheres, such as in academia, where recent rulings like the one in Texas highlight the importance of academic freedom and expression. The spirit of the Paralympics challenges us to rethink our biases and to advocate for a world where everyone, regardless of ability, can contribute meaningfully.
As viewers across the globe tuned in, the ceremony served as a reminder that the Paralympics are not just about sports; they are a platform for advocacy and change. By showcasing the extraordinary talents of athletes who have overcome significant barriers, the event encourages a shift in mindset. It compels us to look beyond limitations and see the potential for greatness in everyone. This narrative is crucial in various contexts, including the ongoing efforts to protect the rights of students and academics, as seen in the article about Kentucky State University Students, Alumni Sue to Block New State Law. The struggles for inclusion and representation in sports mirror those in education and society at large.
Looking ahead, the Tokyo Paralympics offer a unique opportunity to reflect on what it means to be inclusive in our communities. As we witness the achievements of these remarkable athletes, we must ask ourselves how we can foster environments that encourage all individuals to thrive. The lessons learned from the Paralympics can be applied to various fields, moving beyond sports to influence education, employment, and social interactions. How can we ensure that the momentum generated by events like the Paralympics continues to push for lasting change? As we celebrate these athletes, let's commit to advocating for a society that values diversity in all its forms, ensuring that everyone can reach their full potential.
Yui Wagou, as the one-winged plane in the Opening Ceremony_Yomiuri ShimbunThis was an opening ceremony of conviction.
This was an opening ceremony with a message.
And when conviction and message come together, you get goosebumps.
The opening ceremony of the Tokyo2020 Paralympics was electrifying, its Olympic counterpart paling in comparison.
The Tokyo2020 Olympics lacked conviction and a clear message, not because the officials, like IOC president Thomas Bach, lacked confidence, or the right words to say about the importance of the Games. It’s because the Japanese public lacked confidence in the organizers’ motivations – many were not prepared to listen as infection rates in Japan continued to climb.
But that may not have been the case with the Paralympics, at least with the public’s perception of the opening ceremonies. Japan’s Twitterverse reaction was positive, if not enthusiastic.
In contrast to the subtlety and vagueness of the Olympics opening ceremony, there was a consistent story told throughout the Paralympics opening ceremony, showcased by the theater of the one-winged airplane, with the theme “We Have Wings.” This show had energy!
The shifting expressions of the 13-year-old junior high school student, Yui Wagou were captivating. The wheelchair-bound first-time actress portrayed a small plane with only one wing, and her face portrayed beautifully the transformation from a sheltered, timid girl to a little plane that could.
Part of the trigger for the one-winged plane’s transformation was a legion of role models, led by Japanese rock legend, Tomoyasu Hotei, who brought explosive energy to the Stadium with his electric guitar. There was the ballet dancer with one leg, Kouichi Ohmae and the one-armed violinist, Manami Itou, who also explained through their performances that one wing is enough.
The story of the one-winged plane was in two parts, with speeches in the middle. Andrew Parsons, the president of the International Paralympic Committee had the unenviable position of speaking right after, Seiko Hashimoto, head of the Tokyo2020 organizing committee, who’s appearance created moans of disappointment across Japan. Many departed for the kitchen and restroom, hoping to be spared the words of a person who, in their minds, does not listen.
Andrew Parsons is a relative unknown to the Japanese public. He hasn’t been vilified by the press for shopping in the Ginza, as his counterpart in the IOC has. And Parsons did not shy away from his opportunity. Instead, he leaned in. He shouted with passion. He gestured powerfully. And he sent a message, above and beyond the requisite thank yous to the organizers for making Tokyo2020 happen.
Parsons launched a movement – WeThe15. He emphasized that the IPC and its partners were here “to change the entire world” by bringing attention not just to the para-athletes in front of him, but to the 1.2 billion people around the world who have disabilities, or 15% of the world population. He said that the IPC and the International Disability Alliance, along with a broad-based network of civil society, business and media organizations, will work every year to make a difference.
Over the next 10 years, WeThe15 will challenge how the world’s 15% with disabilities are perceived and treated at a global level. With the support of 20 international organizations, civil society, the business sector, and the media, we will put the world’s 1.2 billion persons with disabilities firmly at the heart of the inclusion agenda.
Parsons noted that the pandemic has been a struggle for everybody, and is particularly a time when people have to come together, indirectly referencing the flaming of fear of the other, which leads to hate and discrimination.
When humanity should be united in its fight against COVID 19, there is a destructive desire by some to break this harmony. Overlooking what brings us together, to focus on the factors that differentiate us, fuels discrimination. It weakens what we can achieve together as a human race. Difference is a strength, not a weakness and as we build back better, the post-pandemic world must feature societies where opportunities exist for all.
Parsons then brought us down from the helicopter view of WeThe15 and the need for global diversity, and honed in on the reason they are all in Tokyo – the athletes.
Paralympians, you gave your all to be here. Blood, sweat, and tears. Now is your moment to show to the world your skill, your strength, your determination. If the world has ever labelled you, now is your time to be re-labelled: champion, hero, friend, colleague, role model, or just human. You are the best of humanity and the only ones who can decide who and what you are.
The Paralympics are about celebrating diversity, and creating role models for a generation of persons with disabilities, showing them they too can fly.
Read on the original site
Open the publisher's page for the full experience