International Sports Federations Approve Tokyo 2020 Bid Plans

All the 36 international sports federations relating to the 2020 summer Games have given approved Tokyo bid’s venue plan for the event. 

The 36 federations comprise 28 Olympic summer sports and 16 Paralympic summer sports and this completes the venue cycle just in time to prepare the final bid plan to be consigned to the IOC on January 7th. 

“From an early stage, Tokyo 2020 has sought guidance from the International Federations to ensure that the needs of every sport were met,” noted Yuko Arakida, Sports Director of Tokyo 2020.“The close working relationships between the International Federations, the National Federations and our bid team have enabled a smooth and quick process.

“We’re very grateful to the International Federations for their participation leading to these sign offs, and are pleased to have developed an athlete-focused plan that suits their needs — and we are sure that Tokyo will provide excellent exposure for all sports.” 

The bid team has worked closely with the sports federations to develop a proposal that fits their needs keeping the athletes in the forefront. The Tokyo plan also intends to bring sports to the vibrant heart of the city for accessibility and ease for the spectators. 

Head of the bid and the Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC), Tsunekazu Takeda, said, “I would like to personally thank all International Federations for their cooperation. Our plan is the result of Tokyo 2020’s will to place the needs of sport and athletes firmly in the centre of the Games. 

“The approvals from all International Federations for both the Olympic and Paralympic Games prove Tokyo’s outstanding capacity.” 

Input from the federations has been another valuable asset to the planning phase 

Senior Director for Planning of Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Bid Promotion Division, Bureau of Sports, Katsura Enyo, commented, “It was a very exciting and stimulating experience to meet and exchange ideas with various representatives from the International Federations. 

“We have received countless suggestions to brush up our plan, and are now sure Tokyo will be able to host an amazing Games founded on very good relationships developed with International Federations.” 

All three Candidate Cities have to submit their Candidature File to the IOC by January 7, 2013. The IOC is to select the host city for the 2020 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games September 7 at the 125th IOC Session in Buenos Aires, Argentina.