By Sue-Ann Wayow
TRINIDAD and Tobago’s flag-bearer at the Olympic Games Kelly-Ann Baptiste proudly raises the national flag at the opening ceremony in Tokyo, Japan, on Friday.
The Olympic Games although being held in 2021 due to the ravaging Covid-19 pandemic is maintaining the title as the Olympic Games 2020.
Japan has been preparing for this day for more than two years and many showed up at the Japan National Stadium to get a glimpse of officials and athletes.
Baptiste, a track and field athlete from Tobago led the TTO team into the spotlight before approximately 1,000 specially selected officials due to Covid-19 protocols.
It is the athlete’s fifth consecutive representation at the Olympics. Events have already begun.
Felice Chow was the first one to represent the team in rowing on Thursday evening in the women’s single skull event.
This year’s theme for the opening and closing ceremonies is “Moving Forward.”
Though in-house spectators are limited, Japan did not hold back in throwing a spectacular show both outside and inside the stadium.
Best wishes
Former president Anthony Carmona wished all T&T athletes the best at the nail-biting games.
In a video message he said, “ The 2020 Olympic Games celebrated in 2021 has become a symbol and beacon of collective hope for mankind’s redemption from the ravages of Covid-19.”
TTO was now banking on those represented on the global platform to bring hope and lift the spirits of all were becoming weary by the virus, Carmona said.
“By your performances, by your successes and by your very best efforts, you will raise our spirits, the spirits of all those who have suffered directly and indirectly from this pernicious virus. You will also bring a sense of joy, ease, relief and most of all, impetus,” he said.
Carmona said, “We stand as one and we are confident that you will continue to display the highest benchmark standards of sportsmanship and commentary.”
He said together with other Caribbean countries, the T&T athletes stand to make the region proud.
Race against the virus
Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO) Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus visited Tokyo this week to meet with the Olympic Committee.
In his address he said, “ Our focus as a world united must be on doing everything we can to triumph over the pandemic, with determination, dedication and discipline. We are not in a race against each other; we are in a race against the virus.”
Placing emphasis on the Covid-19 pandemic, Dr Ghebreyesussaid the global failure to share vaccines, tests, and treatments including oxygen was fuelling a two-track pandemic.
“The haves are opening up, while the have-nots are locking down. The longer this discrepancy persists, the longer the pandemic will drag on, and so will the social and economic turmoil it brings,” he said.
He renewed his call for a massive global push to have each country’s population vaccinated by at least 10% by September, 40% by December and 70% by mid 2022.
Dr Ghebreyesus said, “ The Covid-19 pandemic has taught us all many painful but important lessons. One of the most important is that when health is at risk, everything is at risk. That’s why WHO’s top priority is universal health coverage. Our vision is a world in which all people can access the health services they need, where and when they need them, without facing financial hardship. And indeed, Japan is a global leader in universal health coverage, and a perfect example of its benefits.”
Only Baptiste and swimmer George Bovell III have participated in five consecutive Olympic Games for Team TTO.
