IOC 'hugely impressed' by Tokyo's plans for 2020 Olympics

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) said it was "hugely impressed" by Tokyo's bid to host the 2020 Olympic Games as its Evaluation Commission wrapped up its visit to the Japanese capital on Thursday and prepares to turn its attention to other bids.

While Commission Chairman, and IOC Vice-President Craig Reedie, would not be drawn on specifics he did single out strong support from both the government and business community as plus points to Tokyo's bid.

The IOC's four-day visit saw Tokyo 2020 highlight the potential US$32 billion in economic impact presented by the Games, along with its ability to showcase the country's recovery from the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in much the same way as the 1964 Olympics heralded its return to global prominence following World War Two.

At a news conference Reedie stated "we have been hugely impressed by the quality of the bid presentations made by the bid committee.

"Across the board, they have just been excellent."

Tokyo 2020 used the visit to stress the financial stability of its bid, as well as its guaranteed US$4.5 billion Games hosting fund. The compact nature of the Games plan, which places 28 out of 33 Tokyo venues within an 8 kilometre radius was also stressed.

Tokyo 2020 said its potential for domestic sponsorship would be unmatched. With 16 official partners already on board, the bid committee estimated that domestic sponsorship eventually could exceed $930 million with ticket revenue projected to reach $776 million. Approximately 60% of tickets will be priced under $50, with the cheapest going for $11.

Tokyo 2020 also announced that the latest IOC survey had shown that 70% of residents in Tokyo want the city to host the 2020 Games. Tokyo 2020 said the figure had increased dramatically from the 47% figure announced in the IOC Working Group Report published in May. At the same point in

Tokyo's unsuccessful bid for the 2016 Olympics in 2009, an IOC poll said 56% of residents were in favour of hosting the Games. The new IOC survey also revealed that across Japan, 67% are in favour of the bid.

Nevertheless, despite the IOC's praise Tokyo Governor Naoki Inose warned against any complacency, stating "this is about being at the halfway point of a marathon.

"The most crucial time is now. We must keep running this marathon for the next six months."

The IOC Evaluation Commission will now move onto Madrid and Istanbul with the election of the host city to place on 7th September during the 125th IOC Session in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

4th November 2012 - 11 BIDS SHORTLISTED FOR TOKYO OLYMPIC STADIUM PROJECT