Tokyo 2020 Paralympics Officially Closed: See You In Paris 2024

JAKARTA - The President of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), Andrew Parsons, officially closed the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, which had been postponed a year due to the pandemic, in a closing ceremony held at the National Stadium, Japan, Sunday, September 5. almost done... I don't want to do this, but it's time for me to declare the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics closed," said Parsons, quoted by Antara, Sunday, September 5. For 12 days, Parsons said, athletes have given hope, opened minds , and most importantly "athletes change lives." "The Paralympics help make people's dreams come true in Tokyo and give hope to those watching at home," said Parsons.

Parsons also thanked the Japanese people for making the Paralympics possible. Not only that, he also gave his appreciation to the IPC team, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike and the President of the Tokyo Games organizing committee, Seiko Hashimoto. Parsons also thanked the international federations, officials and athletes who participated, and volunteers who bring energy to the Tokyo Paralympics. "All Paralympic athletes around the world, see you in Paris in three years," concluded Parsons. Prior to his speech, Parsons presented the Paralympic flag to Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, who will host the next Paralympics At the end of the closing ceremony, the musicians including the choir sang the song "What a Wonderful World" by Bob Thiele which was first recorded by Louis Armstrong. The Tokyo Paralympics cauldron was then closed, fireworks blazing over the stadium for the last time, "Arigato " appears on the screen, followed by the words "See you in Paris 2024. "