Special Olympics Nippon (Japan) athlete Ryuya Kanbara (left) and Japanese Olympian Yuko Arimori light the caludron at Opening Ceremonies for the 2005 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Nagano, Japan. Arimori won the silver medal in the marathon at the Olympic Games in Barcelona in 1992, becoming the first medalist in the history of women’s marathon in Japan. (Photo by Tatsuya Kanzaki/PHOTO KISHIMOTO)
 
His Imperial Highness Crown Prince Naruhito, in his address at Opening Ceremonies, expressed his hope that the World Games would deepen the Japanese people's understanding of the Special Olympics movement, promote social participation by people with intellectual disabilites and enhance the creation of a society open to everyone. (Photo by Takamitsu Mifume/PHOTO KISHIMOTO)
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Japan’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister Led Cheers at Opening Ceremonies
Before a capacity crowd of 5,000 in M-Wave, site of the speed skating competition at the 1998 Olympic Winter Games, the cauldron was set ablaze by the “Flame of Hope,” and Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi declared open the 2005 Special Olympics World Winter Games on 26 February. With more than 1,800 athletes from 84 countries, including 17 nations making their World Winter Games debut, these Eighth World Winter Games are the largest winter games ever, and the first World Games, winter or summer, to be held in Asia. In addition, Nagano also earned the distinction of becoming the first host of the Olympic, Paralympic and Special Olympics Games.
Linked inextricably with Special Olympics since its founding in 1968, the theme of courage also shaped today’s ceremonies by bringing to life the “Wings of Courage” drawings of 15-year-old artist Junichi Ono. The opening message defined wings of courage as “the strength and heart to overcome difficulties, love others and carry on” and asked individuals to remember such qualities are owned by all. The words of the Athlete’s Oath — “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.” — served as a poignant reminder that Special Olympics is about achieving one’s personal best. Meanwhile, dancers suspended in the air provided a stunning visual depiction of flight.
On the arena’s icy surface, two-time Olympian and 1994 world figure skating champion Yuka Sato floated across the ice to rousing cheers, particularly from the athletes. But the arrival of the Flame and its final lap around the arena captivated all. Accompanied by other Japanese Olympic stars, Special Olympics athletes from each of the movement’s seven global regions navigated their way through the adoring delegations drawn to the Games’ symbol of the courage and celebration of diversity represented by Special Olympics.
Although athletes, dignitaries and celebrities from all corners of the world marched in the Parade of Athletes, the ceremony had a distinctly Japanese flavor – from the Wadaiko Japanese drums to the Lion and Bell dances to upbeat entertainment by Japanese songstress Aya Ueto and the Love Junx dance group, whose members have Down syndrome. In addition to welcoming remarks by World Games Chairman Hideaki Yasukawa, Special Olympics Chairman and CEO Timothy Shriver and Yasuo Tanaka, Governor of Nagano Prefecture, His Imperial Highness Crown Prince Naruhito offered his “desire that these World Games … lead to the spread of Special Olympics activities in [Japan], to greater engagement in society by people with intellectual disabilities, and to the creation of a gentler society open to all.”
And with the support of world leaders in Japan and across the world, that wish very likely will be realized.
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