Fan free Olympics begin

The opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Tokyo took place in strange circumstances. Supporters around the world gathered together for the occasion, which coronavirus had delayed by precisely one year.

Sadly, the virus is still causing huge problems in Japan, so people are forbidden from gathering in large groups. This is the case elsewhere too.

However, excited Olympics fans were determined to make a show of the big event. Kyoko Ishikawa and her American husband organised an Olympics party in their living room, which she'd decorated with flags from every country. Family and friends attended remotely.

Kyoko Ishikawa: "The top athletes and everything top things, from two, over 200 countries get, come here - wanted just come to just one city and get together, and produce the, the highest energy and power. So that's the Olympic Games."

Across the globe, at a London shopping centre, invited fans watched the grand opening ceremony. They could see fewer athletes than normal representing their country. And the huge Tokyo national stadium was practically empty, with just 1,000 spectators.

But for one London fan, Anthony, it's the coming together of nations that is important.

Antony Lowbridge-Ellis: "Sometimes it's a bit sort of naïve but I love the idea of the world coming together, just for four - every four years, just for, for this. It makes me feel quite, quite happy. And I think that with everything that's gone on the last couple of years, it's probably needed more than ever. So, I'm really looking forward to these Games for that reason."

Takoko, a student from Japan, had really hoped to enjoy the event in her home country. However, like many others, she found herself stuck abroad but was keen to take part.

Takako: "I'm Japanese and because of the Covid, I couldn't go back to Japan. That's why I went to see the Olympic Games on a big screen in the UK."

The Olympic athletes themselves will no doubt miss the direct support of the cheering crowds in and around the stadium. But millions of excited fans will be supporting them from home.

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