As early as this year, hundreds of thousands of sports enthusiasts from all over the globe are very much enthusiastic and eager to witness the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic games. To further ignite the interest of the Olympic fanatics, the Tokyo Organizing Committee of the said multi national event previously revealed their plans to brighten up the torch relay while in space and to facilitate the broadcasting of optimistic messages for the athletes, participants and spectators of the much awaited Olympic Games.
In this regard, the Organizing Committee of Tokyo revealed that they have selected Soichi Noguchi and Akihiko Hoshide from Aerospace Exploration Agency as Torch Relay Space Ambassadors for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games. The two astronauts will serve as the support system of the torch relay in space by sending out words of encouragement for the official Olympic torchbearers from the International Space Station (ISS).
This exciting plan that involves space support system will not only bring an extra touch to the regular Olympic torch relay but will also augment universal awareness of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic games with high spirits and anticipation.
One of the astronauts, Soichi Noguchi said that “I am delighted to have been appointed a Tokyo 2020 torch relay space ambassador. The flame is a symbol of peace and hope and I am looking forward to sending messages of peace from the ISS and cheering on those participating in the torch relay.”
On the other hand, Akihiko Hoshide also remarked that “When I heard about this opportunity, I felt very honored, and I realized how much closer the Tokyo 2020 Games are getting. The Olympic and Paralympic Games are great events involving top athletes from all over the world striving to win, to achieve a world record or achieve a personal best with the support of their team. Soichi and I look forward to engaging with the torch relay as it delivers the flame to the opening ceremony and helps to connect everyone’s hopes for the future.”
Reference: Astronauts appointed Tokyo 2020 Olympic torch relay space ambassadors
