Industry News: Tokyo Welcomes International Olympic Committee Evaluation Commission

TOKYO, Japan, April 14. WHILE the International Olympic Committee recently visited Chicago, it is now Tokyo's turn to try to impress the decision makers of the IOC as Japan makes a run at hosting the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Here's a press release from Tokyo 2016 detailing the heavy hitters brought in to chat up the IOC commission:

Excitement built in Tokyo today as the Chair of the 13-member International Olympic Committee (IOC) Evaluation Commission, Nawal El Moutawakel, arrived ahead of the official start of the commission's visit to assess Tokyo's ability to host the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games at the heart of Japan's vibrant capital. She was welcomed at Narita International Airport by a high-level Tokyo 2016 delegation.

Ms El Moutawakel, IOC Member, Moroccan Minister for Sport and Olympic gold medallist 400m hurdler, was joined by General Mounir Sabet, IOC Member and President of the Egyptian Olympic Committee. The IOC experts were met by Japanese IOC Member and IOC Vice President, Chiharu Igaya; President of the Japanese Olympic Committee, Tsunekazu Takeda; and Chair and CEO of Tokyo 2016, Dr Ichiro Kono, before travelling to Tokyo's Hotel Okura, which will host the IOC delegation.

On arrival at the Hotel Okura, one of Japan's most famous hotels built from development funding for the 1964 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo, the delegation was greeted by Japanese IOC Member, Shunichiro Okano and the Governor of Tokyo, Shintaro Ishihara. Alongside Mr Okano, Governor Ishihara, who is responsible for the 34 million people in the world's largest metropolitan area, will play a hands-on role during the IOC Evaluation Commission visit to Tokyo.

Dr. Ichiro Kono, Chair and CEO of Tokyo 2016, said:
"It is a great honour to welcome the IOC Evaluation Commission Chair and her colleagues to Tokyo. This week we have a fantastic opportunity to highlight our plans to host the most athlete-focused Games in Olympic history. We want to provide the Olympic Movement with a major showcase of positive transformation and sustainable legacy that can promote sport and the environment across the world. It's something we're passionate about and we look forward to showing our esteemed guests all our exciting city has to offer."

The IOC Evaluation Commission are in Tokyo until 20 April 2009, with the official visit taking place 16-19 April 2009.

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