Members of the International Olympic Committee’s Evaluation Commission arrived in Tokyo Tuesday to inspect the city’s bid for the 2016 Summer Olympic Games.
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 met the 13-member commission before the team travelled to Tokyo’s Hotel Okura where they will be staying. They were greeted by Japanese IOC Member Shunichiro Okano and the Governor of Tokyo, Shintaro Ishihara.
Kono 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 out 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”.
IOL reports the metropolitan administration is footing the bill to the tune of 320 million yen ($3.2 million) for the commission’s activities, while the commission pays for its own travel and accommodation from IOC coffers.
Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso is hosting a dinner for the commission Saturday with guests reportedly including Olympic double swimming champion Kosuke Kitajima.
