Paratriathlete Mami Tani selected as Japan’s Flag-bearer for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games

The Japanese Paralympic Committee (JPC) announced on July 12 that Paratriathlete, Mami Tani (Suntory/Tokyo) was selected as Japan’s flag-bearer for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.

Together with Koyo Iwabuchi, Para Table Tennis player, Mami is scheduled to lead the entrance procession for Team Japan at the Paralympics Opening Ceremony to be held on August 24 (Tue).
She is the first triathlete ever to be bestowed the honor to serve as a flag-bearer in histories of both the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Comments from Mami Tani:
I am delighted to be able to hail the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games as an athlete. Furthermore, I am very honored to have been chosen as Japan’s flag- bearer, and at the same time, I feel great responsibility for it.
Eight years have passed since 2013 when I got involved in the bidding campaign for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Now I feel I am given another important mission to realize a true recovery from the great earthquake in our country, and continue promoting the Paralympic Movement.
The competition/training environment for para athletes have improved towards the Tokyo 2020 Games, and people are becoming more aware of the importance of diversity and inclusive societies.
I believe Paralympics will be an important element to leverage this trend to pass it into the future.
The Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games will be held at a very difficult time amidst a global pandemic.
However, participating athletes will challenge themselves very hard to break through their limit, while coping with inner conflict. I am hoping, therefore, that those athletes’ wonderful performances would contribute to giving you power and hope to overcome challenges in any possible way.
I would highly appreciate your great support for Team Japan.