'Stronger Together, Plus 1': Tokyo 2020's Message with One Year to Go

(ATR) Tokyo 2020 organizers mark the One-Year-to-Go countdown with a series of subdued, yet inspiring festivities surrounding the theme #StrongerTogether.

The predominantly digital led activities pay tribute to the strength and resilience of the world’s athletes persevering towards the postponed Summer Olympic Games.

Entitled "One Step Forward", an uplifting, athlete-focused video montage was released at Tokyo Olympic Stadium shortly after 8 p.m. local time, July 23, exactly one year prior to the scheduled opening of the Olympic Games in 2021. The video was part of a short, low key session restricted to media, officials and Olympic stakeholders.

Japanese swimming star and Rio 2016 Olympian Rikako Ikee delivered remarks and narrated a video addressing her battle against leukemia, while encouraging the world’s athletes to keep fighting despite the Olympic postponement and coronavirus pandemic struggles.

"Seeing such a once-in-a-lifetime goal disappear in front of their eyes must have given athletes aiming for the Games a sense of loss that can’t be put into words," said the 20-year-old swimmer, in a dimly lit, mostly empty stadium.

"Imagine the world a year from now – how wonderful it will be to see the curtain rising on the Olympic and Paralympic Games," she said. "We are currently living in a world of ups and downs. I sincerely hope the peace and calm of daily life returns as soon as possible.

"Think of the coming year not simply as a one-year postponement, but as a "Plus 1". I think that is a very positive and future oriented way to look at it.

"Obviously, I understand that there are those who feel it is not the right time to talk about sports when the world is going through such difficulties, but to overcome adversity, what we need most of all is hope.

"For athletes around the world and for all those trying to inspire, I have faith that one year from today, the flame of hope will light these very grounds."

This video, voiced by Ikee, was presented following her remarks.

After her speech, Ikee broke down in tears, in what was an emotional evening for those present.

The short presentation at Tokyo Olympic Stadium – which was streamed live on the Olympic Channel – lasted about 15 minutes. It concluded with another short video paying tribute to the world’s athletes and inspiring hope, while depicting memorable Olympic performances and moments.

Tokyo 2020 leaders and politicians reflected upon the evening activities with optimism about the difficult road ahead.

"Inspired by the beacon of hope that lit up the Olympic Stadium today, the Organizing Committee will put forth every effort toward preparing for next year’s Games, ensuring they remain in memory forever as a symbol of unity and solidarity as together we work to overcome the challenges of COVID-19," said Tokyo 2020 president Yoshiro Mori.

Recently re-elected Tokyo governor Yuriko Koike issued strong words regarding the enormous task which lies ahead and the determination of the Tokyo metropolitan government to make the Games happen.

"Response to the novel coronavirus disease is a challenge facing all humankind. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government will continue to dedicate its resources to fighting this battle and to delivering a safe Games," Koike said, also noting that devising ways to curb costs is a priority.

"We will work closely with all parties concerned and advance preparations to hold a successful Games brimming with hope, which will serve as a symbol of humankind bonding even more strongly as the world came together as one to overcome this difficult situation."

In a statement, IOC president Thomas Bach thanked Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe, Mori, Koike, athletes and Olympic stakeholders for their "solidarity and support" concerning the unprecedented postponement of the Tokyo Games.

"I am deeply impressed and grateful for the extraordinary progress already being made in the preparations since the joint postponement decision," Bach said, in a statement.

"With our Japanese partners and friends, we agree that we have to adapt the planning of the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 to the requirements of the global crisis, while maintaining the unique spirit and message that define our mission.

"We are working to optimize the operations and service without touching on sports and athletes, in this way we can, together with the organizing committee, turn these postponed Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 into an unprecedented celebration of the unity and solidarity of humankind, making them a symbol of resilience and hope – showing that we are stronger together".

Other tributes around the Japanese capital included the surprise illumination of symbolic Olympic and Paralympic venues including Tokyo Stadium, Ariake Arena, Tokyo Aquatics Center and the Olympic Tower in Komazawa Olympic Park. The venues are being lit up to pay tribute to medical service workers fighting COVID-19, as well as to cheer on and support athletes preparing for the Games.

Olympic champions including Japanese gymnast Uchimura Kohei, U.S. gymnast Simone Biles and U.S. swimmer Nathan Adrian engaged in live chats on the Olympic Instagram social media, also marking the one-year countdown. Additional Olympians and stakeholders will follow across various social media platforms over the two weeks ahead.

The narration of the closing video seen in Tokyo Olympic Stadium instilled optimism, hope and confidence for the future and an Olympic Games with the potential to become a worldwide celebration unlike ever before.

"One year from now, prepare for that Flame to come alive, fueled by their passion, sustained by their greatness, a simple reminder of what we can achieved together," said the female narrator.

"We may not be the same, but one year from now our connection will feel more powerful than ever. After all, it’s our differences that give us strength, A strength propelled by hope, unified by dreams, together as one".

Written and reported by Brian Pinelliwith reporting in Tokyo from Hironori Hashimoto

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