In an effort to put the needs of athletes and the International Sports Federations at the centre of their Olympic bid, Tokyo 2016 has launched a dedicated “Sports Department”.
Toru Hirakata, who was previously Director of the Japan Association of Athletics Federations (JAAF), will oversee sports operations and head up the new department using his strong experience and relations with the national and international sporting community.
Dr Ichiro Kono, Chairman and CEO of TOKYO 2016, said “the creation of the TOKYO 2016 Sports Department marks another significant milestone in our Bid to host an incredible Games at the heart of our vibrant capital city. Headed by the vastly experienced Toru Hirakata, the Sports Department will be responsible for consultation with international elite athletes and International Federations, ensuring that every possible consideration is taken and represented within our uniquely compact Games plan. The needs of the international sports community are of paramount concern to Tokyo 2016 in our efforts to bring the Olympic and Paralympic Games to our nation.”
The bid makes this step forward in anticipation of the next phase of the bidding process should they qualify as a candidate city. The short list of candidates will be announced on June 4 at SportAccord in Athens.
