Shingo Kunieda, the captain of wheelchair tennis, said, "I want children to feel the infinite possibilities of human beings." I stated my aspirations.
The Tokyo Paralympics will be attended by 255 athletes from Japan, the largest number ever.
The union ceremony was attended by some players wearing masks, such as captain Kunieda and deputy captain Rie Urata, and most of the players participated online.
At the ceremony, players and coaches were introduced for each competition, and then the flag bearers, Yukihiro Iwabuchi of table tennis and Mami Sato of triathlon, were handed the national flag by Junichi Kawai.
Finally, Captain Kunieda said, "At the Tokyo Olympics, there were many scenes where I was shocked to see the Japanese national team doing their best, showing the power of sports. The Japanese team at the Tokyo Paralympics also had the courage and determination. I pledge to fight with all my might. I hope that many children in Japan, with or without disabilities, will see Parasports and feel the infinite possibilities of human beings. "
The Tokyo Paralympics will be held from August 24th to September 5th, with 4,400 people from approximately 160 countries and regions participating, and 22 competitions and 539 events will be held.
Team leader Kawai Watching school cooperation "Support by parents and schools"
During the union ceremony, the leader of the Japanese team, Kawai, said, "The performance of the Paralympians will be changed to what they cannot do. It will be vital to realize human potential and realize a symbiotic society. I would like to ask for your enthusiastic support. "
At the press conference that followed, regarding the fact that children will be watching the game in collaboration with the school, "It is up to each school and each board of education to decide whether or not to actually do it, so I can't comment, but the five senses such as breathing and sound. The good thing about watching live games is that you can feel it. I want parents and schools to understand and support me. "
Captain Kunieda "Only give 100% power to accept the situation"
At a press conference after the union ceremony, Captain Kunieda said that the Tokyo Paralympic Games were decided to be held without spectators in principle. There is nothing I can do in this situation, and the players are determined to accept the situation and only exert 100% power. I have a strong desire to make as many people as possible to become fans of wheelchair tennis and Paralympics. For that purpose, I think that it is best for the players to go one step or two beyond the imagination of the viewer, so I would like to make such a tournament. "
Also, regarding the fact that some children were allowed to watch the game, "If you can watch the game safely, please come and see it. It is very meaningful for the children's future to be able to directly experience the Paralympics in Tokyo. I want you to feel the awesomeness and dreams of para-athletes. "
Deputy Captain Urata "Bright results"
Urata, the deputy captain of the four Paralympic Games in a row, said at a press conference, "I would like to work with Captain Kunieda to make the most of my experience and produce brilliant results for this team. I would like to be inspired and take over the baton and convey the potential and power that exceeds the limits of the Paralympic people to those who support and support them, along with the brilliant results. "
On top of that, regarding the fact that the children and students will be watching the game in collaboration with the school, "It will have a great educational effect and we will be able to have a great power by having the children who will be responsible for the future see our activities. I want as many children as possible to experience the world of invisible sound of goalball in a safe situation. "
Iwabuchi, the flag bearer "The best performance"
At a press conference, Iwabuchi, who acts as a standard-bearer, said, "We will make use of the fact that we have received a major role in the competition, and with the goal of" more than a gold medal "that we set, we will convey the appeal of parasports to many people so that we can perform at our best. I want to do my best. "
On top of that, he said about the children watching the game in collaboration with the school, "I would be happy if I could feel the atmosphere of the tournament and let my parents and others know about it, which would be an opportunity to expand the circle of parasports."
The Valley of the Flagger 10 years after the earthquake "I would be happy if anyone could gain even a little power."
At the press conference after the union ceremony, Tani, who acts as the flag bearer, said, "It was a difficult tournament to be held in Corona, but I am happy to have the Paralympics as a player in the host country. As I said in, I was afraid to use it for a while in a headwind, and I almost lost sight of its value, but I think that I was proved "the power of sports" at the Olympic Games. The appearance, body, and facial expressions of the competition are packed with important hints for life, such as the ability to play sports with some ingenuity, the ability to step forward even if there are any difficulties, and so on. "
Mr. Tani, a native of Kesennuma City, Miyagi Prefecture, commented on his thoughts on reconstruction, saying, "It's been 10 years since the earthquake was postponed by one year. It's never a waste to have people remember and turn their hearts again in 10 years, and I'd be happy if someone could gain even a little power. "
Mr. Akishinomiya Full text of words at the unity ceremony
Today, the union ceremony of the Japan National Team for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games will be held, and I am very pleased to be able to say hello to the athletes and officers who will participate in the competition, albeit on the web.
The tournament has been postponed for one year due to the global epidemic of COVID-19.
I think you have made a lot of hard work and hard work to maintain your best condition as an athlete.
We would like to extend our sincere congratulations to all of you for overcoming such a situation and becoming the representative of Japan.
This is the second Paralympic Games to be held in Tokyo, following the 1964 Games.
This time, I heard that badminton and taekwondo will be newly added as competitions, and 22 competitions and 539 events will be held.
By the way, this time, it will be held in an environment that is significantly different from the usual Paralympic Games.
We hope that all the participants will pay close attention to the response to infectious diseases, and that they will be able to fully demonstrate their daily achievements when they come to the competition.
In addition, it is presumed that it will be difficult for participants to interact with each other while there are no signs that the pandemic will converge.
In such a situation, I would like to ask all of you to strive for international goodwill through sports wherever possible.
At the end, I pray for everyone's success and would like to send it to the unity ceremony.
Video message by Prime Minister Suga
Prime Minister Suga sent a video message to the union ceremony of the Japanese team at the Tokyo Paralympics, saying, "I think that the road to today was a difficult one in the new Corona. I sincerely respect your efforts so far. I will represent it. "
"The 1964 Tokyo Games were the first to use the Paralympic name, and it was a great opportunity to shed light on the sports of people with disabilities in Japan. Half a century later, the Paralympics will be held again here in Tokyo. Will be done. "
On top of that, Prime Minister Suga said, "Sports have great power. People all over the world will be impressed and encouraged by the way athletes push the limits and work hard to overcome the barriers. Would be. "
And, "Everyone, let's work together to overcome various restrictions and make the tournament a success. It's finally the real time. I want athletes all over the world to show their full potential. Please do your best. From the bottom of my heart. I support you. "