Istanbul 2020 Release New Slogan “Bridge Together”, Public Support at 83%
March 25, 2013
Istanbul 2020 has released the bid’s official slogan, treatment ‘Bridge Together, ailment ’ which represents Turkey’s unique geographical location between Europe and Asia.
Turkey’s Sports Minister, story Suat K?l?ç, publically revealed the logo, which had previously been exclusive to members of the IOC Evaluation Commission when they arrived in Istanbul on the weekend.
Kilic said: ““Istanbul 2020 – Bridge Together” – this is our motto. We promise to establish bridges and we are proud to say we are a bridge between East and West, Europe and Asia, between civilisations, faiths and religions.
“We are the strongest bridge between the past and the present. I wish that this motto will bring success to the Turkish people, and to the Olympic Games.
“Istanbul has become the capital of many cultures and civilisations. It is a world city. I would like to welcome you to this city, I am very proud to host you here”
Istanbul 2020 Chairman, Hasan Arat added: “We are all inspired by this unique slogan: it represents how the IOC and Istanbul could together create a bridge to new experiences and opportunities for both Turkey and the Olympic Movement.
“Our ancient city has been a physical and philosophical meeting point for millennia: a place where East meets West; the ancient meets the contemporary; tradition meets innovation; capacity meets opportunity; and youthful dynamism meets proven excellence.
“Istanbul’s iconic Bosphorus Bridge has long been a symbol of the city’s power as a connector, so it was natural that the metaphor should be at the heart of our unique offering.”
The slogan encapsulates the bid’s three pledges; a Bridge to Excellence, Bridge to a New Culture and Bridge to a Historic Impact.
IOC member and President of the National Olympic Committee of Turkey, Ugur Erdener, added: “The Games would be a bridge that connects Istanbul’s wonderfully diverse assets with the rest of the world.
“Most importantly, it will embody the values of the Olympic Movement by bridging continents, nationalities, religions, cultures and generations.
“Our new slogan seeks to encapsulate the shared role of the Games and our city as a unifying force.”
Public support for the bid up to 83%
Meanwhile, official support figures for Istanbul’s bid have been released, with 83% in the city and 76% nationally supporting Istanbul’s efforts to host the 2020 Olympic Games.
The figures were released by the IOC during the visit and K?l?ç commented: “People in Istanbul participated in a public poll and the support of the Games in Istanbul has been found to be 83%. Of the 76 million people in Turkey, the support is 76%.
“These are sound and accurate figures. 83% of Istanbul’s population support the bid – that’s 11 million people who want a city which bridges East and West to host the Games. 50% of Turkey’s population are under the age of 25 – they are very excited that Istanbul is bidding to be an Olympic city.”
Arat went on to comment: “Istanbul 2020 is delighted that Istanbul’s fifth bid to host one Games on two continents, for the first time ever in Turkey, has not only captured the world’s attention, but has drawn upon the passion of our sports-loving nation. Turkey and Istanbul’s youthful population love sport; they love the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“With these figures, released today, the Olympic family can be assured of full venues with knowledgeable and enthusiastic crowds as well as millions of Turkish consumers with ever-increasing disposable incomes to spend on tickets, sponsors’ and licenced products.”
Istanbul is the third and final city the IOC Evaluation Commission will visit and they leave Turkey on 27 March.
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