Tokyo Governor Calls IOC Visit “Precious Opportunity”

Tokyo Governor Ishihara welcomes media

He said, "this is a precious opportunity and we will spend the next four days explaining to the members of the IOC Evaluation Commission about what Tokyo can offer. We will also present Tokyo's features to media from around the world".

Alluding to his experience as an avid sailor the Governor said, "at long last the race is on. As an ocean racer I've competed in many races, but none this challenging where it is so difficult to read the wind".

Alongside the Governor were several Olympians and Paralympians, including 15-time Paralympic swimming pool medallist Mayumi Nanita, who has been described by the International Paralympic Committee as "one of the world's best Paralympic athletes", and Tomoko Yoshihara, three-time volleyball Olympian.

At the event, in keeping with Japanese tradition, the Governor cracked open a barrel of Sake to bring success for Tokyo 2016 between now and when the IOC host city is elected in Copenhagen October 2.

Dr. Ichiro Kono, Chair and CEO of Tokyo 2016 said during the event, "Tokyo 2016 is offering the most athlete-focused plans in Games history. The Games in 2016 will deliver the greatest every environmental and social transformation in the Olympic Movement. This will result in a model of sustainable legacy. It perfectly matches the agenda of the Olympic Movement in the 21st Century".