The initiative follows the decision not to allow overseas spectators, including family members, to attend the Games amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

"When we announced in March that overseas spectators would unfortunately not be able to come to Japan for the Games, we also said that we would think of ways to help people around the world share their support for the athletes," said Seiko Hashimoto, Tokyo 2020 President.

"Although the spectator seats may not be full, the many videos and messages shared through the Tokyo 2020 Share the Passion project and displayed on the big screen will fill the venues with support from around the world, and I am sure that it will further motivate the athletes as they compete.

"In a world in which many people have been separated from each other by the COVID-19 pandemic, I believe that the Tokyo 2020 Games will help us renew our bonds with each other.

"We are all stronger together, and sport has the power to help bring the world together again.

"I hope that through these initiatives, we can share the special moments of the Games with as many as possible in a real spirit of solidarity.

"I am looking forward to many people around the world taking this opportunity to be a part of the Games and deliver their messages of support to the athletes."

Tokyo 2020 said three types of supportive messages from fans around the world can be submitted via various social media channels.

These will include videos with movements matching the rhythm of a "2020beat", videos featuring original cheers or support messages and text messages of support.

A selection of videos and messages will be shown on screens at some of the Tokyo 2020 competition venues.

Organisers say the Tokyo 2020beat project was created from a range of 1,000 different sound samples, and reflects the themes of sports, Japanese culture, daily life and nature.

Five different rhythms were compiled using Intel's AI technology.

As part of the #2020beat social media campaign, fans have been invited to film themselves performing to the rhythm while using the hashtag #2020beat.

The campaign was temporarily suspended but has been relaunched as part of the Share the Passion project.

The initiative is being supported by the Alibaba Cloud and Intel Corporation, which are part of the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) The Olympic Partner (TOP) Programme.

"As a worldwide partner of the IOC, we aim to leverage our proven cloud technology to support a digitally transformed Games," said Unique Song, Alibaba Cloud Japan's country manager.

"As part of our mission, we also want to support the athletes through the Games despite the challenges caused by the pandemic."

Messages of support and original videos can be submitted by using the hashtag #DearAthletes.

Olympic Broadcasting Services (OBS) have also confirmed a "fan engagement" initiative, which will provide an online "cheer map" and "fan video wall" bringing audience participation direct to the venues.

Fans worldwide will be able to cheer on their country via web or mobile, and upload selfie videos which could appear on screens at selected venues.

"For Tokyo 2020, we are proud to be launching a pilot project that will facilitate remote fan engagement directly with the athletes within the venues, as well as with other fans worldwide," said Yiannis Exarchos, OBS chief executive.

"Working with Tokyo 2020 and our broadcast partners, OBS has developed a suite of digital tools that will not only allow friends and family to engage with athletes within the venue, but also encourage fans all over the world to be actively involved in supporting their national heroes."

OBS will be supporting the previously announced "athlete moment" station at selected venues.

This will allow athletes to connect live with friends and family right after the competition ends.