Games opening: A surreal experience
The Tokyo Olympics opened amid a sea of empty seats with a somber, subdued ceremony that perfectly reflects the suffering of mankind in this time of pandemic.
But for the Filipino officials who participated in the parade of nations, it was such a surreal experience.
Football president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta said marching in the opening parade was a great honor as he was able to represent the country in the world’s most prestigious sports event.
Araneta, the country’s chief of mission in the Olympics, helmed the Filipinos in the opening parade as he walked side by side with flag bearers Eumir Marcial of boxing and Kiyomi Watanabe of judo.
Behind them are coaches like Carlos Padilla of taekwondo, Nolito Velasco of boxing, Daniel Bautista of skateboarding and national sports association presidents in Lani Velasco of swimming and Cynthia Carrion of gymnastics.
Meanwhile, Philippine Sports Commission chair William “Butch” Ramirez, Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, POC secretary general Edwin Gastanes and International Olympic Committee representative Mike Cojuangco-Jaworski were at the stands together with other dignitaries, cheering and waving at their delegates as they make their way in the empty National Stadium as the 147th out of the 206 countries in the order of parade.
It was beyond my wildest dreams to be here in Tokyo for the Olympics.
A POC insider said the participants in the parade were tapped so that athletes can rest and somehow lessen their exposure heading into the biggest battles of their lives.
They were chosen not based on their credentials or whatsoever, but based on their availability.
Araneta said with or without spectators, representing the country in the Olympics is a proud moment for him as a sports official.
“Marching there to represent the country with or with our spectator is such a great feeling,” said Araneta, who is no stranger to big-time sports gathering for being part of the International Football Federation Council.
Velasco agrees, saying that she is thankful for being chosen to be part of the festivity that was held under the cloud of Covid threat.
“I am truly thankful for being chosen to as one of the six individuals who represent our 19 athletes in the Parade of Nations,” she said.
“Despite the empty seats, being there is a phenomenal experience and all I could think of was that this is an experience meant for the athletes who deserve to be there.
She added that the experience was truly unbelievable.
“It was beyond my wildest dreams to be here in Tokyo for the Olympics, especially given the pandemic. As the Games begin, we strive to make the country proud.” Carrion said the long walk was worth it. “I had been to a lot of marches for our country and it was so exciting,” she said.
“Although we had a long wait — and a longer walk — as there were a lot of countries participating, I could say that everything was worth it. It was such a surreal experience.”