University of Tsukuba IOC President Bach Awarded Honorary Doctorate

On October 20, the University of Tsukuba held the "Special Ceremony Commemorating the Visit of IOC President Thomas Bach" (Hosted by the University of Tsukuba's Tsukuba International Academy of Sports (TIAS), Co-hosted by the Tokyo Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games) at its Tokyo Campus Bunkyo Building.

TIAS receives full government support as part of the "Sports for Tomorrow" program promoted by the Japanese government to advance sports and the Olympic and Paralympic movements. Its parent institution, the University of Tsukuba, has led Japan's Olympic movement for over 100 years, with Jigoro Kano—Asia's first International Olympic Committee (IOC) member—serving as president of its predecessor school.

At TIAS, students selected from around the world interact with peers and broadly study Olympic and Paralympic education, as well as the latest in sports management, teaching, and coaching, in preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Games.

The ceremony was held as part of the official side event "TIAS Sports Conference: The Power of Sports and Education," conducted by TIAS from October 18 to 20. TIAS supported the event's purpose, which aligned with the "Sports, Culture, and World Forum" [Related Article:Large-Scale International Conference "Sports, Culture, and World Forum" Held[October 25, 2016]]. This conference is also an official program under the "Tokyo 2020 Participation Program" [Related article:Organizing Committee Announces Tokyo 2020 Games "Official Marks" and "Support Marks"[2016.10.12]] launched in October. Its purpose is to discuss and disseminate information on international contributions through sports culture, tangible and intangible legacies, and to enhance the Olympic and Paralympic Movement globally.

At the beginning of the ceremony, President Kyohei Nagata referenced the close relationship between Mr. Kano, the university, and the IOC, stating, "President Bach possesses profound insight into sports and sports science. He also resonates with our university's Olympic research and has provided support. We wish to confer an honorary doctorate in recognition of these achievements."

Organizing Committee Chairman Yoshiro Mori shared memories of his involvement in legislation during the university reforms of the 1970s, revealing his connection to the university. He drew laughter by saying, "I consider myself a contributor, but I haven't received a degree myself." He continued, "The conferral of a doctorate upon President Bach, who is both a father and a captain to us, fills us with profound emotion. We wish to board the same ship together and move forward toward the success of the Tokyo Games."

Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike offered congratulations to President Bach and stated, "We are preparing for the Tokyo Games with athletes first in mind. Working in cooperation with the IOC, Tokyo and Japan will unite and strive for the Games' success."

President Bach began his speech by stating, "I wish to accept this honor as a representative of the IOC." He noted that both Kano and Baron de Coubertin, the second IOC President, were educators. Drawing from the Baron's words, "A parade without values is merely a military parade," Bach spoke on the significance of the Olympics, stating, "Sport without values is merely entertainment."

He then praised Tokyo's swift response to the IOC's medium- and long-term reform plan, "Olympic Agenda 2020," stating, "The Tokyo Games are already a success."

He predicted that 2020 would be a major turning point for Japan, similar to the 1964 Tokyo Games. Regarding holding some events in disaster-affected areas, he expressed approval, stating, "The Olympics can contribute to the recovery of the disaster-affected areas and send a message of recovery from those areas."

At the ceremony's conclusion, President Bach attempted calligraphy. He completed the character for "Olympic Spirit" with the final stroke, drawing loud applause from the audience.