Tokyo Tower in Minato City, Tokyo, Japan
© Yukinori Hasumi/Getty Image
Let the games (finally) begin!
Shining like an incandescent Olympic torch, the Tokyo Tower is our cue to finally say, 'Let the games begin!' Along with so much else, the 2020 Summer Olympics were postponed last year (as you probably heard). But with COVID-19 vaccinations well underway and capacity restrictions in place, Tokyo is hosting the Summer Olympics opening ceremony today, almost exactly one year after the games were originally due to start.
The events will be held at 42 venues in and around the city, with most held in Tokyo itself. Organizers expect some 11,000 athletes from about 200 countries to compete. Four sports will make their Olympic debuts at the Tokyo Games: karate, sport climbing, surfing, and skateboarding. Also, baseball and softball, which were last held in 2008, are being reintroduced. Closing ceremonies are scheduled for August 8. Game on!
Related Images
Montreux and Lake Geneva in Switzerland
Cannes, France, where the annual film festival begins today
Athens, Greece, for Greek Independence Day
42nd Street with the Chrysler Building during Manhattanhenge in 2018, New York City
The Peace Tower on Parliament Hill, Ottawa
Crown Fountain, by Catalan artist Jaume Plensa, in Millennium Park, Chicago, Illinois
Toronto sign in Nathan Phillips Square by the City Hall, Toronto
Blurred view of ride at the Canadian National Exhibition, Toronto
Bing Today Images
