Tokyo 2016’s Final Pitch to the IOC - it’s time to choose
Editor’s Notes
EEK!!! I can’t believe it’s October 2nd already. Today the IOC determines the host of the 2016 Summer Olympic Games - will it be Chicago, Rio, Madrid or Tokyo? Though it seems Tokyo’s bid has been tossed aside this past week with Chicago’s Obamalympics hype, the race is still tight. With solid finances, an innovative and sustainable venue plan, and support from the new Prime Minister, Tokyo remains somewhat hopeful.
With confidence at a press conference in Copenhagen, Dr. Ichiro Kono, Chair and CEO of Tokyo 2016, said:
“First, we have the most compact and convenient Games concept for athletes and sports fans, right in the heart of our city. Helping athletes reach their peak watched by 4 billion people on prime time television, we can inspire the youth of the world.
“Second, we offer total financial security in these difficult economic times, with four billion dollars already in the bank. And finally, we guarantee the greatest ever Olympic legacy for humankind.
“By hosting the 2016 Games, we can showcase to the world how to overcome the many challenges we all face in society, from how to care for our failing environment to how to reconnect world youth with sport, for a happier, healthier life for years to come.”
You can catch the IOC voting process on their website. Voting begins 5:10 PM local time in Copenhagen - it will be by secret electronic balloting.
Sorry, but I think it’s going to come down to Chicago and Rio, between South America being due, Obama’s push, and Beijing being too recent. That being said, I’m rooting for Tokyo; the Summer Games in Japan would be totally nuts and awesome!
-L