Under the Same Blue Sky as 50 Years Ago 1964 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games Memorial Event Held

 

 

The Japan Olympic Committee (JOC), in collaboration with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the Tokyo Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, held various events across Tokyo from October 6th to 12th as a "Commemorative Week" celebrating the 50th anniversary of the 1964 Tokyo Games. On the 11th, the closing "Memorial Event" was held at Komazawa Olympic Park in Setagaya Ward, Tokyo.

 

 

At the park's athletics stadium, a "Memorial March & Memorial Run" was held, paying homage to the opening ceremony of the 1964 Tokyo Games. During the Memorial March, 1,964 general participants marched onto the track waving their hands alongside Olympians and Paralympians, accompanied by music performed by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Central Band. Representative athletes who competed in the Tokyo Games also participated from overseas, carrying their national flags and adding to the occasion. Furthermore, a flame lit from the same torch used 50 years ago was relayed by athletes who competed then and athletes from the JOC Elite Academy. This flame was then used to light the "50th Anniversary Flame" by Ms. Kiyoko Ono, who gained attention in women's gymnastics.

 

 

JOC President Tsunekazu Takeda stated, "Seeing everyone march brought back vivid memories of that time. We will continue to convey the wonders of sport to many people and strive for the success of the 2020 Games." During the post-ceremony Memorial Run, participants jogged around the stadium with the athletes, then formed a human formation and posed for a commemorative photo with smiles.

 

 

On the 11th and 12th, the "Sports Expo Tokyo 2014," hosted by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and others, was held simultaneously at Komazawa Park and Showa Memorial Park in Tachikawa City. Programs included experiencing Olympic and Paralympic sports, walking events connecting both venues, sports competitions between athletes and comedians, and workshops offering direct instruction from Olympians and Paralympians. Numerous food and drink booths offered international flavors. Both venues bustled with a total of 215,000 visitors during the event, making it a family-friendly festival.

Commemorative Week Special Site: tokyo1964.jp

Related Articles:
・ "What Does Sports Mean to You?"(2014.10.17)
・Diverse Events to Commemorate the 50th Anniversary(October 8, 2014)