Sydney (Australia) , September 3: Australia's Sydney Opera House will be lit up this Sunday night with the faces of all 665 athletes that have represented Australia at the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Each Olympic and Paralympic athlete will be individually projected on the iconic Opera House sails for approximately 30 seconds, resulting in a show that will last over five and a half hours, which can be watched from home.
Previously, the government of the state of New South Wales (NSW) welcomed the athletes' home with a parade through the city, but this year, with COVID-19 restrictions in place, the parade will only be streamed live online. A photographer will capture the projection of each athlete. These photographs will then be offered as gifts to the athletes for representing Australia at the two Games.
"I would like to thank the NSW Government for giving us this historic opportunity to showcase our extraordinary team on one of Australia's most iconic landmarks. This is a really great tribute to a team Australians will celebrate for decades to come," Australia Olympic Committee (AOC) CEO Matt Carroll AM said.
NSW Minister for Sport Natalie Ward said the virtual tribute was a fitting way to mark the athletes' success, with welcome home receptions, ceremonies and ticker tape parades unable to be held due to the restrictions.
Source : Xinhua