IOC Commission Chair Coates ‘very pleased’ with Tokyo 2020 Progress

Speaking after the meetings, IOC Coordination Commission Chair John Coates said, “We are very pleased with Tokyo 2020’s progress under the leadership of President Yoshiro Mori. The Organising Committee and its government partners have got off to a quick start and are putting in place solid foundations for the next six years of preparations.”

He continued, “The close cooperation of all levels of government with Tokyo 2020 was clearly felt by the Commission, particularly following our meeting with Prime Minister Abe and with Governor Masuzoe’s participation in the visit. Their support for the Games, as well as the support of many high-profile Japanese personalities through the Tokyo 2020 Advisory Meeting, are greatly appreciated, and will stand the 2020 Games in good stead. Their commitment underlines that Tokyo 2020 is for all Japan, and is encouraging Japanese everywhere to get behind these Games and see how they can engage in helping Tokyo to welcome the world in 2020.”

The Tokyo organisers are already working on their plans to engage the local population in the Games. This is likely to take several forms, including National Olympic Committee training venues around the country, a recently signed agreement with 552 universities, volunteering opportunities, cultural programmes, the Olympic Torch Relay, and major milestone events, to name but a few. There will therefore be plenty of opportunities for people across Japan to get involved in and be a part of the Games.

Tokyo 2020 President Yoshiro Mori commented, “We are delighted to have been able to spend such a productive few days with John Coates, Chair of the Coordination Commission, the distinguished members of the Coordination Commission and the administrative staff of the IOC.

“We are also very pleased that we were able to create an atmosphere conducive to meaningful discussions throughout our meetings. I am happy to report that the Coordination Commission assessed the current status of our overall preparations very highly. The members of the Coordination Commission have a wealth of experience of the Games from a diverse array of perspectives, and we are extremely grateful for the valuable advice and guidance we have received from them.

“However, the members of the Commission did point out one or two things that need addressing. We will of course be incorporating all the advice we received into our preparations for the Games at the earliest opportunity.”