Tokyo Delivers Final Appeal for 2016 Olympics

(ATR) Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama promises to provide total government support and a lasting legacy in his appeal to IOC members to bring the 2016 Olympics to Tokyo.

“I have made it my mission to come to Copenhagen to express my strong support for Tokyo as host city for the Olympic and Paralympic Games,” Hatoyama said in a five-minute speech that included mention of financial guarantees and the support of a nation.

“Let us welcome you all to Tokyo in 2016 to savour the magic of the Olympic Games,” he said. He also noted his recent pledge to slash greenhouse emissions by 2020, which would contribute an environmentally-friendly Games.

Hatoyama was third to speak to IOC members, following a short speech by a 15-year-old gymnast who spoke of Tokyo’s plan to connect youth with sport worldwide. She told IOC members she was “representing your future Olympians”.

Tokyo’s presentation including question and answer session finished 10 minutes short of the 70 minutes allowed.

IOC vice president Chick Igaya reminded members that Tokyo would embrace the Olympic values: “Let us choose Games that go beyond economic success or regional development, that will give the youth of the world the courage to face the challenges ahead.”

Tokyo’s 12-member presenting team included Japan’s other IOC member Shun- Ichiro Okano, Tokyo Governor Shintaro Ishihara, bid CEO Ichiro Kono and Tsunekazu Takeda, president of the Japanese Olympic Committee. Mikako Kotani, chair of the Tokyo 2016 Athletes’ Commission, was the most impressive speaker for the Japanese Olympians and Paralympians present.

There was a dramatic change in tone from this week’s less than dynamic media briefings; the city’s presenters ramped up their emotion and passion in a slickly delivered pitch to the IOC.

Four videos were shown, focusing on the Olympic concept, athletes, the facilities and entertainment on offer in the city, and the dreams of youngster aspiring to participate in a Tokyo Games.

Ishihara spoke animatedly about the power of the Games to transform Tokyo, saying the city was “creating a model for a new society inspired by the Olympic Movement”. He promised a sustainable Games, one blending human endeavour in harmony with nature.

Takeda said a Tokyo 2016 Olympics “will be a Games by Olympians for Olympians,” adding that the city would “set the stage for heroic performances by the finest athletes in the world.”

Responding to criticisms this week that Tokyo has lacked passion in its campaign messaging, Kono said: “Our words may be few but they are full of spirit, we will deliver everything we say. Tokyo has an outstanding plan for the Olympics and Paralympic Games.”

Kono also delivered a few words in French, emphasizing that Japan’s strong point was teamwork, both in its Olympic planning and throughout its two-year bid campaign.

Speaking at the press conference after Tokyo's pitch, Kono said: "We feel we have done Japan proud. We clearly put across to the IOC our plan to host an amazing Olympic Games.

"We saw real emotion in the eyes of the IOC [members]. They understand our compelling offer. I am proud of my team mates. We have been united through our bid campaign."

Asked if Tokyo would try for the next Summer Olympics if the city's 2016 bid was unsuccessful, he said: "At present we are now focusing on the result today."

With reporting from Mark Bisson .