The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has congratulated the Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee on the start of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Torch Relay, today, in Fukushima, Japan. The Grand Start of the Olympic Torch Relay marks the start of the Olympic flame’s journey across all of Japan’s 47 prefectures before it arrives in Tokyo for the opening of the Olympic Games on 23 July this year.
IOC President Thomas Bach said: “Earlier today, the world watched with great enthusiasm how the Olympic flame began its journey around Japan. Congratulations to the Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee and the Japanese people for this achievement.
“Inspired by the Olympic values of peace and solidarity, the Olympic Torch Relay will carry Tokyo 2020’s message, ‘hope lights our way’, across Japan and the world. It will also acknowledge the challenges faced by society since last year, highlighting the importance of unity and solidarity within humankind, showing that we can only become stronger – together.”
He continued: “We will follow the Olympic Torch Relay with great excitement over the coming weeks. The sight of the Olympic flame will be a very emotional moment, not only for the Japanese people but also for the thousands of athletes around the globe, many of whom see this year’s Games as the light at the end of the tunnel. The final countdown has now begun – in 121 days’ time, the Olympic cauldron will be lit. Tokyo will provide the athletes with the stage on which to shine.”
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