Tokyo 2016 Pledges to Host the Most Athlete-focused Games
Athletes to lead youth of the world to a healthier and happier life after Tokyo 2016
30 September 2009, Copenhagen, Denmark – The Chair and CEO of Tokyo 2016 today pledged that the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games at the heart of Japan’s capital will be the most athlete-focused ever staged.
Speaking in Copenhagen before appearing at a media briefing alongside a strong team of Olympians and Paralympians who support Tokyo 2016, Dr. Ichiro Kono said:
“Athletes are the most important part of the Tokyo 2016 Games. Our goal is to return the Games to athletes. We will give them the most compact and convenient stage ever, so they can concentrate on reaching their peak.”
Dr. Kono suggested the figures stack up for Tokyo 2016, with 97 percent of planned competition venues within an 8km radius of the Olympic Stadium and Athletes’ Village, which are located in the heart of Tokyo. 70 percent of athletes will be able to walk to their venue in 10 minutes if they chose to.
“Thanks to the insights and support of Olympians and Paralympians, we are setting the stage for heroes to inspire youth worldwide,” he added.
Mikako Kotani, 1988 Olympic medallist and Chair of the Tokyo 2016 Athletes’ Commission,
supports this view. She said:
“Athletes are passionate about Tokyo 2016. We have played a major role in how the Games concept has been developed to ensure Tokyo 2016 will be the most athlete-friendly Games ever staged. That is a promise.”
Aside from its compact plan, world-class transportation network and existing infrastructure, Tokyo 2016 has used Olympians and Paralympians to help create a unique set of measures for athletes that aims to exceed their needs.
A waterfront location has been chosen for the Bayside Athletes’ Village, just moments from Tokyo’s attractions. Bayside Village has 17,000 rooms, over IOC requirements, and will offer large rooms, free wireless internet connections and international digital TV in every room. It will also feature a pool, spa and training facilities on site.
Through universal design, Bayside Village will be meet the highest accessibility standards, which means no renovations are needed for the Paralympic Games.
Rosa Mota, the Portuguese 1988 Olympic gold medallist marathon runner, supports Tokyo 2016 and said:
“I have run many times in Tokyo and was inspired by the passionate support I received. The Japanese love sport and they share this passion with every competitor, not just the gold medallists.
“I can tell you that the races I experienced in Tokyo were some of the best organized I’ve ever participated in.
“Tokyo is a very safe city. You can feel comfortable walking anywhere and at any time. You can’t
say that about every city. That’s very important for the visitors who will come to enjoy the
Games.”
Dr. Kono added:
“Today we are very close to a momentous decision. It is a decision that will affect the future of the world’s largest city… of Japan… of fast-developing Asia… and in fact of the world.
“That’s because if the IOC chooses Tokyo, it will be a choice for athletes, helping them to pursue heroic performances. These performances will directly inspire youth in every continent of the world.
“4 billion people will watch Tokyo 2016 on prime time television. Today, more than 27 million people in Tokyo support our Bid. And we have more than 100 million supporters across Japan. That passion for Olympic and Paralympic sport guarantees every venue will be full.”
“Sport will lead millions of youth to live a healthier, happier life. That is a key part of Tokyo 2016’s legacy to the world. And we can deliver it.”
###
For more information, please contact:
Masa Takaya (Mr), International Communications Manager, Tokyo 2016
+45 51 83 45 68、+81-90-6548-6102, masanori.takaya@tokyo2016.or.jp
30 September 2009, Copenhagen, Denmark – The Chair and CEO of Tokyo 2016 today pledged that the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games at the heart of Japan’s capital will be the most athlete-focused ever staged.
Speaking in Copenhagen before appearing at a media briefing alongside a strong team of Olympians and Paralympians who support Tokyo 2016, Dr. Ichiro Kono said:
“Athletes are the most important part of the Tokyo 2016 Games. Our goal is to return the Games to athletes. We will give them the most compact and convenient stage ever, so they can concentrate on reaching their peak.”
Dr. Kono suggested the figures stack up for Tokyo 2016, with 97 percent of planned competition venues within an 8km radius of the Olympic Stadium and Athletes’ Village, which are located in the heart of Tokyo. 70 percent of athletes will be able to walk to their venue in 10 minutes if they chose to.
“Thanks to the insights and support of Olympians and Paralympians, we are setting the stage for heroes to inspire youth worldwide,” he added.
Mikako Kotani, 1988 Olympic medallist and Chair of the Tokyo 2016 Athletes’ Commission,
supports this view. She said:
“Athletes are passionate about Tokyo 2016. We have played a major role in how the Games concept has been developed to ensure Tokyo 2016 will be the most athlete-friendly Games ever staged. That is a promise.”
Aside from its compact plan, world-class transportation network and existing infrastructure, Tokyo 2016 has used Olympians and Paralympians to help create a unique set of measures for athletes that aims to exceed their needs.
A waterfront location has been chosen for the Bayside Athletes’ Village, just moments from Tokyo’s attractions. Bayside Village has 17,000 rooms, over IOC requirements, and will offer large rooms, free wireless internet connections and international digital TV in every room. It will also feature a pool, spa and training facilities on site.
Through universal design, Bayside Village will be meet the highest accessibility standards, which means no renovations are needed for the Paralympic Games.
Rosa Mota, the Portuguese 1988 Olympic gold medallist marathon runner, supports Tokyo 2016 and said:
“I have run many times in Tokyo and was inspired by the passionate support I received. The Japanese love sport and they share this passion with every competitor, not just the gold medallists.
“I can tell you that the races I experienced in Tokyo were some of the best organized I’ve ever participated in.
“Tokyo is a very safe city. You can feel comfortable walking anywhere and at any time. You can’t
say that about every city. That’s very important for the visitors who will come to enjoy the
Games.”
Dr. Kono added:
“Today we are very close to a momentous decision. It is a decision that will affect the future of the world’s largest city… of Japan… of fast-developing Asia… and in fact of the world.
“That’s because if the IOC chooses Tokyo, it will be a choice for athletes, helping them to pursue heroic performances. These performances will directly inspire youth in every continent of the world.
“4 billion people will watch Tokyo 2016 on prime time television. Today, more than 27 million people in Tokyo support our Bid. And we have more than 100 million supporters across Japan. That passion for Olympic and Paralympic sport guarantees every venue will be full.”
“Sport will lead millions of youth to live a healthier, happier life. That is a key part of Tokyo 2016’s legacy to the world. And we can deliver it.”
###
For more information, please contact:
Masa Takaya (Mr), International Communications Manager, Tokyo 2016
+45 51 83 45 68、+81-90-6548-6102, masanori.takaya@tokyo2016.or.jp