Let The Games Begin

The Tokyo Olympic Games have begun with an emotive opening ceremony. It celebrated life. The  imagery of remembrance and movement for a future was both sensitive and also responsive. I found I was very stirred by the entire music and dance.

Did you see the Parade of Athletes? I was so proud to see our young athletes proudly carry our flag showing respect to the organising nation and then showing the joy of being an Olympian. If these young people represent our future, then I think our country will be in safe hands.

On a very minor note, it would have been nice to have seen the Irish athletes wearing masks coordinating with their uniform as so many of the other countries had. I know only minor thing.

I will follow the Irish athletes during the Olympics. In fact, it is great to have something different and exciting to watch during the early hours of the morning. I just have to remember not to shout when they do well.

There are other athletes who I have found myself cheering along. For instance, in the women’s single sculls event the Sudanese athlete Esraa Khogali. What an inspiration. Yes, she finished nearly two minutes behind the winner in her heat, but she finished. Her goal was to represent her country in the Olympics and that goal she well and truly achieved. She has shown other young people it can be done. Not only other young people but anyone who has a goal that a goal can be achieved.

Then to see the winner Tala Abujbara from Qatar cheering the Sudanese athlete to the end was wonderful to see. I doubt if that will be shown on any sports page or newspaper. It probably won’t be shown on any news report, but I hope the IOC use that image in the promotion of the Olympics.

The Olympic Games have begun and I have already been in awe of these athletes.