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Waseda University's Tokorozawa Campus has been selected as the pre-Olympic training camp location for the Italian Olympic team.
On October 19th, Saitama Prefecture, Tokorozawa City, Waseda University, and the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) held a memorandum signing ceremony and reception at the Italian Embassy in Minato Ward, Tokyo, regarding the 2020 Tokyo Olympics pre-training camp.
Saitama Prefecture, together with Tokorozawa City and Waseda University, worked to attract the Italian Olympic Team's pre-Olympic training camp for the Tokyo Olympics, resulting in a basic agreement with CONI.
CONI plans to hold a camp for over 200 athletes, including track and field and swimming, based at Waseda University's Tokorozawa Campus.
Ambassador Giorgio Straccia stated, "Today is an important day as Italy takes another step closer to the historic Tokyo Games. It is an honor to attend this signing ceremony. I express my respect for the efforts of all involved and sincerely look forward to the opening of the Tokyo Games."
Governor Kiyoshi Ueda of Saitama Prefecture expressed gratitude for CONI's decision and referenced the history of friendship between Japan and Italy, stating, "The prefecture and its citizens eagerly await the arrival of Italian athletes. We intend to prepare thoroughly to ensure the athletes can maintain their peak condition." Mayor Masato Fujimoto of Tokorozawa City expressed his hopes, saying, "We wish to use this as an opportunity to build wonderful relationships with the people of Italy in fields such as culture and sports."
Waseda University President Kaoru Kamata stated that Italy is one of the university's most important partners, noting its academic exchange agreements with numerous Italian institutions. He also referenced the fact that over 400 Waseda students and alumni have participated in the Olympics, winning 56 medals. "We are delighted that the Italian national team will use the sports facilities at our Tokorozawa Campus, creating a new Olympic legacy. We will support them wholeheartedly," he said.
Carlo Mornati, Deputy Secretary General of CONI, who visited Japan, revealed, "While we received invitations from various municipalities, we chose Tokorozawa City as we believe it is best for the national team." He added, "We are delighted to have gained partners to advance together towards the Games."
Guest speaker Yoshiro Mori, Chairman of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organizing Committee, remarked, "Holding this signing ceremony just before the 1,000-day countdown to the Games is truly auspicious. As an alumnus of this university, I am overjoyed that this marks the start of new sports exchanges alongside our academic ties. I hope the bonds between these four parties grow ever stronger and that Italian athletes achieve great success at the Games."
At the reception held at another venue, Ambassador Starace proposed a toast. Representatives from each of the four parties exchanged commemorative gifts, and all attendees shared in the joy of the agreement.
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