Tokyo Gate Bridge Opening Promotes 2020 Bid

Fifteen thousand sports enthusiasts took part in the event that included various activities such as running, cycling, and walking along the 8-km length course, many holding large flags with the words "Tokyo 2020".

Seven-time Olympic speed skater and track cyclist Seiko Hashimoto participated in the cycling segment on the first day, holding the newly-designed Tokyo 2020 Olympic flag.

Tokyo 2020 CEO Masato Mizuno said, "the establishment of the new bridge demonstrates Tokyo's continuous economic growth and urbanization. Tokyo Gate Bridge's Completion Commemoration Ceremony Sports Festival brings excitement for the sports movement and further underscores our strong desire to host the 2020 Olympics and Paralympics Games in Tokyo. Japan's firm understanding and appreciation of the power of sports, and its ability to generate dreams, hopes, goals and positive change, is fully aligned with the values inherent in the Olympics such as excellence, friendship and respect".

According to Tokyo 2020, following the bridge's opening the traffic network will vastly expand in the Tokyo bay area as well, establishing itself as a platform for transportation during the 2020 Games.