By Canadian Press

Countdown On: Opening ceremony at the Tokyo Olympics now just a month away

Jun 23, 2021 | 2:15 AM

The buildup to the Tokyo Olympics — with a one-year postponement among the many challenges on a very long list — has felt more like a marathon than perhaps any Summer Games before it.

All the heavy lifting to make sure the sporting showcase actually happens will soon pay off.

A reminder that the home stretch is approaching comes with today’s arrival of the month-out marker to the opening ceremony at the National Stadium. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has completely upended planning and preparation for the Summer Games with most sports shut down for significant periods of time, forcing major changes to qualification procedures and leadup competitions.

Traditional Olympic hoopla will be muted in Japan. Limited numbers of domestic fans will be allowed in venues but they can’t cheer and must wear masks.

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Competition actually begins two days before the opening ceremony with soccer and softball games. The Games will continue through Aug. 8.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 23, 2021. 

The Canadian Press