Copenhagen, Denmark – Tokyo 2016 today promised to deliver ‘an unprecedented global legacy for humankind’ on behalf of the Olympic Movement, if it is awarded the right to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in the heart of Japan’s dynamic capital city.
Speaking in Copenhagen, where the International Olympic Committee selects the Host City for the 2016 Games on 2 October 2009, Tokyo 2016 Chair and CEO, Dr. Ichiro Kono, said:
“Tokyo 2016’s 100-year legacy promise is one of the most important offers an Olympic bid has made to the world. By awarding Tokyo the 2016 Games, the IOC will enable a new model of sustainability, environmental best practice, and youth engagement. What is at stake is a brighter future for the next generation.”
Paul Tange, the renowned urban planner and architect, whose father designed the 1964 Olympic Stadium that is still used daily, said:
“I’m very aware of the more than 50-year legacy the 1964 Games will have delivered by 2016; and I can say with confidence that any projects undertaken for the 2016 Games will generate a sustainable legacy for the following 50 years, at least.
“The IOC can be sure there is no better host for creating an incredible showcase of best practice and futuristic solutions for an unprecedented legacy to the world.”
Tange’s architectural firm continues to maintain and renovate the Yoyogi Stadiums his father designed. Recently this included extensive renovation of the 1964 Olympic Stadium to make the building fully accessible to athletes with disabilities. The 2009 Asian Youth Para Games were held there last month.
“It is a concrete demonstration that sustainable development is not just possible for an Olympic Games…it is guaranteed by Tokyo 2016.
As part of its legacy promise, the Tokyo 2016 Games will showcase major solutions to the global challenges presented by a rapidly deteriorating environment. Professor Shin-ichi Takemura, an environment expert and member of the Tokyo 2016 Grand Design Team, said:
“In the Olympic Charter, the IOC makes clear its commitment for the Olympic Games to contribute positively to the future of our planet. Like gold medallists being role models to the world’s youth, so too is the Olympic and Paralympic Games a role model to governments and organisations around the world. I firmly believe the IOC can benefit the planet, and Tokyo is best placed to help the IOC achieve this.
“Half of the world’s population now live in cities, and the huge emissions from urban areas endanger the earth. Tokyo is ready to tackle this issue. Through hosting the ‘greenest’ ever Games in 2016, Tokyo will present a showcase of sustainable development for mega-cities. Tokyo 2016 will be ‘the Olympics for the Earth’, showing an alternative future for our planet.”
Examples of this commitment include Tokyo 2016’s plan to host the most compact Olympic Games ever, right in the heart of Tokyo, which helps to dramatically reduce emissions; introduce corridors of water and 1,000 hectares of new greenery throughout the city; make maximum use of existing world-class venues in Tokyo, alongside iconic new stadia that will stand as beacons of green design and sustainability; and use Japan’s most advanced energy-saving, renewable and clean technologies to host a Carbon-Minus 2016 Games.
Mikako Kotani, 1988 Olympic medallist in synchronised swimming and Chair of the Tokyo 2016 Athletes’ Commission, said:
“With Tokyo 2016’s legacy promise, we can ensure the youth of the world are able to participate in sport tomorrow. As a mother and as a coach, I think of my daughters and their friends when I think of the future.
“Tokyo 2016 wants to partner with the IOC to deliver a new model of youth engagement, sustainability, environmental best practice and social inclusion, for the 21st Century. This is our 100-year legacy commitment: to unleash the power of sport to benefit humankind.”
Dr. Kono added:
“We have the best technical plan. We will host the Games in the very heart of one of the world’s most dynamic cities, where water and greenery meet. In Tokyo, athletes will be so comfortable they will produce their best ever performances. It is a plan that is setting the stage for heroes in 2016.
“We also have incredible public support for our Bid. More than 27 million people in Tokyo and more than 100 million across Japan support the Tokyo 2016 Games. This ensures every venue will be filled several times over.”
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