Thursday 18 June 2009

Tokyo the Safe Bet for the 2016 Olympics?

Tokyo is a safe bet for the 2016 Olympics: safe in terms of security and safe in terms of finances.

That's the message that came through loud and clear as the bid team faced the media following its presentation to 92 IOC members (the total membership is 106) today.

Tokyo 2016 chief executive Ichiro Kono gave some incredible figures: there are on average only two robberies a day in the city and four gun crimes a year.

As for finances, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government has already set aside $4 billion for the games.

A video message from Japan's prime minister Taro Aso, who competed in the 1976 Olympics, reiterated government support.

Kono said the IOC members asked the team 'many, many' questions but said it responded very well.

Rio, Madrid and Chicago also presented to IOC members yesterday. Rio, in particular, seem keen to give their bid a different a feel, with an emphasis on emotion.

Carlos Nuzman, the Rio 2016 president, told reporters the Brazilian city was different from the other candidates and gave the Olympic Movement the opportunity to 'receive new supporters.'

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