(ATR) On the final day of the IOC Coordination Commission’s visit to Tokyo, chairman John Coates lauded the growing integration with the international federations in the planning and implementation of the Olympics.
Coates conveyed how much the IOC appreciates the cooperation and support of the IFs. He says the IOC’s proposed venue changes have implemented the thrust and the recommendations of Agenda 2020.
"That’s a very important signal for the success of the Games," Coates said of the IF support.
Coates went on to say that the IOC intends to amend the Olympic Charter when it meets in July, in particular Rule 46, to reflect an increasing role for the IFs when it comes to running the events of the Games.
"It has always appeared silly to us that they have the expertise, they run World Championships and World Cups every year, but then when it comes to the Games, they are training you to do many things that by slotting them in to your organization they can do for you," Coates said.
"I am very excited that Tokyo will be the first opportunity for us to trial that."
One international federation that remains unsatisfied with the venue proposals for Tokyo is cycling.
"We are still involved in discussions with the UCI," Coates said of the outstanding issue on where the track cycling, BMX and mountain bike events will be held.
"We are exploring using Izu, an existing velodrome that can be increased in capacity."
Coates explained that using Izu, an area two and a half hours out of Tokyo, would also necessitate a separate athletes' village.
"We don’t have agreement with the UCI," he admitted. "They have other suggestions that we are exploring."
"It has always been our position that venues should be reviewed," Coates said.
"It happens every Games and we have been pleased to see the greater emphasis of using existing contemporary venues to lower costs. We have achieved $1.7 billion in the process.
"We will continue to carefully scrutinize and manage this. It’s not to say that some might not increase in cost and that we may find more savings."
Earlier in the day Coates welcomed the new minister in charge of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Toshiaki Endo.
"I know from my experience at the Sydney 2000 Games just how important it is to have a minister for the Olympics," Coates, who is president of the Australian Olympic Committee said.
"We know we can count on you."
Endo, who has held the new role for little over a week, is looking at several factors that he believes will lead to the success of the Games.
"We want to win as many medals as possible, provide a safe environment for alland establish a strong legacy," he said of his three main ideals.
"I intend that we will grapple all the elements head on and create a festival for Japan. I hope that Japan and its economy may be re-envigored and that Japan will become an even stronger and [more] unified country."
Endo’s emphasis of legacy was echoed by Tokyo Governor Yoichi Masuzoe who has created a long-term policy that shows where Tokyo will be in 10 years time, a report he was delivering to the Coordination Commission members today.
"In this policy, I have two goals," he said. "To have the best Olympic Games and Paralympic Games ever in Tokyo, and to utilize these Games to respect the diversity of humanity in Tokyo.
"The 1964 Tokyo Games were a catalyst for the success of Japan after the war. With that in mind – what legacy will the 2020 Games leave? That is my greatest intention to discover."
Written by Alice Wheeler
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