IOC President Heads to Tokyo for Bridgestone Deal

(ATR) IOC President Thomas Bach could be on a shopping trip for tires when he goes to Tokyo on Friday.

He is believed to be making the trip to Japan to sign a sponsorship deal with Japanese tire manufacturer Bridgestone through the 2020 Olympics.

The IOC will not confirm the purpose of Bach's trip, but it is widely believed to be connected to the reported Bridgestone deal. The deal is said to be worth $344 million.

Before leaving for Tokyo, Bach opened the World Conference on Women and Sport in Helsinki.

He says he wants to see the last Olympic event without women to change.

"I have one wish," Bach said at his press conference before the World Conference on Women and Sport in Helsinki.

"The next logical step would be for us to have Nordic combined."

With women's ski jumping making its debut in Sochi, Nordic combined is the only event without women competitors.

"I hope that some female athletes will take this idea up and that the international federation can start some competition in the near future so that we have also here real equality."

Bach added that with women's boxing making its debut, and all national Olympic committees sending female competitors, the Summer Games has gender equity.

Later, speaking at the opening ceremony for the conference, Bach said the IOC is now focusing on ensuring women can practice sport at any level, whenever they want.

He said sport is always trying to break down barriers and end discrimination.

While the IOC can not force governments or societies to change their norms, Bach said, "What we can do is give an example."

He specified Saudi Arabia as one candidate for change. The country is infamous for its laws restricting women's rights.

However, he said, "Signals of progress are being met."

The advisory parliament has recently suggested that young women be able to play sport and introduced women's sports to school curricula.

"We hope that the government of Saudi Arabia will follow up this recommendation and, even in Saudi Arabia, we will see girls practicing sport every day in their lives and in their futures."

Written by Ed Hula III in Helsinki

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