IOC/Tokyo 2020 Project Review Held

Governor Masuzoe and Director Murofushi welcoming Chairman Coates and others at Harumi	 

 

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Tokyo Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games held a "Project Review" in Tokyo from April 2 to 4 to discuss preparations following the Tokyo Games' selection. Nine IOC members visited Japan, including John Coates, Chairman of the Coordination Commission for the Games of the XXXII Olympiad (2020/Tokyo), and Alex Gilady, Vice Chairman. The Japanese side included representatives from the Organizing Committee, the Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC), the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, and government officials.
During the meeting, the Organizing Committee gave presentations on themes including governance, finance, commercial activities, accommodation, and legacy, followed by Q&A sessions for each. Inspections were also conducted at the National Stadium, Nippon Budokan, and the planned competition venues in the bay area.
During the inspection of the planned Athletes' Village site on the 3rd, Tokyo Governor Yoichi Masuzoe and Organizing Committee Director Hiroyuki Murofushi greeted the IOC delegation upon their bus's arrival in Harumi, Chuo Ward. An opportunity was also arranged for young Japanese rowers to greet the IOC delegation, paying tribute to President Coates, himself a former rower.

 

On the 4th, a joint press conference was held at the Shinagawa Prince Hotel in Tokyo. Chairman Coates began by reflecting, "It has been a productive three days. I am satisfied and impressed with the preparations and progress made by the Japanese side." He also praised the Organizing Committee for appointing women and Olympians/Paralympians to key positions. He also commented on the IOC's appointment of JOC President Tsunekazu Takeda as Marketing Commissioner (a key position managing sponsors that support the IOC's finances) on April 1st, stating, "This is also a significant positive for the Tokyo Games."
Organizing Committee Chairman Yoshiro Mori summarized, "At this first meeting with the IOC, we had a broad exchange of views that deepened mutual understanding. We hope to continue receiving their support and walk together toward the Games' success."
The Project Review serves to complement the 10 Coordination Commission visits scheduled over the seven years between the host city selection and the Games. It is held at appropriate times between these visits.

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