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

Governor Koike Yuriko has made the following comments on the Closing Ceremony of the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 held today.

Governor Koike’s comments

Today, the Closing Ceremony of the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 was held at Olympic Stadium, marking an end to an amazing 17 days, during which many athletes and officials from around the world gathered and intense competition unfolded.

Due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, these Olympic Games were held under unprecedented difficult circumstances—a one-year postponement and the decision to hold events without spectators. Amid such conditions, their success was made possible through the support and cooperation of the people of Tokyo and Japan, Games stakeholders, and many others. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to each and everyone involved.

I would especially like to thank the athletes who cooperated with various restrictions put in place for the sake of holding the Games. The sight of the athletes giving spectacular performances has contributed to hope and provided the world with great courage and inspiration amid the pandemic.

At the Closing Ceremony, I passed the Olympic Flag to Mayor Anne Hidalgo of Paris. In addition to the emotion and spirit of overcoming difficult challenges embodied by the Tokyo 2020 Games, I am certain that the new model for a sustainable Games, as well as the sustainable recovery concept demonstrated by these Games, have also been passed along to Paris to serve as a grand legacy that will build excitement for the Paris 2024 Games.

The Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games will open on the 24th of this month. And, we will ensure that the success of the Olympic Games contributes to that of the Paralympic Games.

We will continue to do everything possible to make the Tokyo 2020 Games an event that lives on in the hearts of many and serves as a beacon of hope for the people of the world. Your continued support and cooperation would be greatly appreciated.

*Please click here for the original Japanese article.