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The stands at Tokyo’s Olympic Stadium will be empty save for a handful of officials, guests and members of the media . Even the number of athletes participating is likely to be smaller than most years, due to strict COVID-19 protocols at the Olympic Village. The Canadian Olympic Committee said Thursday that only a small contingent of 30 athletes — roughly a tenth of the total delegation — will take part.

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Volunteers direct vehicles in a nearly empty parking area at the Tokyo Olympic Games in Tokyo.MIKE SEGAR/Reuters

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A security worker peers out from behind a fence outside Ariake Arena at the Tokyo Olympic Games in Tokyo.MIKE SEGAR/Reuters

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People wait on social distance markers outside the Ariake Tennis Park at the Tokyo Olympic Games in Tokyo.MIKE SEGAR/Reuters

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A view of an empty food and beverage concessions area during Shooting Pre-Event Training ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Asaka Shooting Range.Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

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The stadium prior to the Opening Ceremony of the Tokyo Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium.Matthias Hangst/Getty Images

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Inside the Olympic Stadium prior to the Opening Ceremony of the Tokyo Olympic Games.MAJA HITIJ/Getty Images

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Bottles of hand sanitizer can be seen prior to the Opening Ceremony of the Tokyo Olympic Games.Maja Hitij/Getty Images

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A police officer patrols outside the stadium prior to the Opening Ceremony of the Tokyo Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium.Maja Hitij/Getty Images

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Police officers look on prior to the Opening Ceremony of the Tokyo Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium.Maja Hitij/Getty Images

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A general view prior to the Opening Ceremony of the Tokyo Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium.Maja Hitij/Getty Images

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People walk outside the Olympic Stadium before the Tokyo Olympics opening ceremonyLEONHARD FOEGER/Reuters

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A police officer looks on prior to the Opening Ceremony of the Tokyo Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium.Patrick Smith/Getty Images

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Empty stands are seen behind the stage and the Tokyo emblem ahead of the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Olympic Games.FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images

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General view inside the stadium before the Tokyo Olympics Opening Ceremony.MARKO DJURICA/Reuters

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