Tokyo, 31 May 2014 – TOKYO 2020 joined by members of Japan’s sporting community
and around 40,000 sport fans to say "Sayonara" to the National Stadium during a farewell
ceremony to commemorate this focal point of Japanese sport on the day of its official
closure for reconstruction.
TOKYO 2020 President Yoshiro Mori was among those paying their last respects to the
stadium. He said: "Over the past half-century, the National Stadium has truly been a
sanctum of Japanese sport. It has hosted numerous unforgettable matches and
competitions, and has a special place in the hearts of people all over Japan. I have been actively involved in sport for many, many years, and as the curtain closes on this historic
venue, I find myself recalling several of the memorable sporting occasions that have graced
the stadium.
"I am extremely happy that I have been able to share the incredible memories the stadium
brings back and realize anew the wonder of sport with the many fans gathered here today.
"It was also fantastic to see the Japan Air Self-Defense Force aerobatic demonstration
team ‘Blue Impulse’ in action over the National Stadium again. I vividly remember the team
flying over the stadium during the Opening Ceremony of the Tokyo 1964 Olympic Games
and earning widespread admiration for their formation of the Olympic Rings in the air over
the stadium.
"In six years from now, the new National Stadium will be the centrepiece of the 2020
Olympic and Paralympic Games and will play host to the world’s elite athletes. I am looking
forward to joining the many fans that will gather here then to welcome the world, and to
communicate the power and the values of sport and the Olympic Movement not only to the
people of Japan, but to people across the entire planet.
"The new stadium will be a legacy for future generations, and I hope the people of Japan
will join us in uniting their efforts to ensure that the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games
are a resounding success."
Around 40,000 Japanese sports fans made the pilgrimage to bid a fond "Sayonara" to the
stadium, some of them taking part in a running event. Other events included football and
rugby legends matches, an air show performed by Blue Impulse, a concert and a fireworks
display. Finally, the public had the rare opportunity to go on to the pitch.
Demolition of the stadium will start in July, and construction of the new National Stadium is
scheduled to begin in October 2015. It will be used for the 2019 Rugby World Cup, as well
as hosting the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, athletics, football and rugby competitions
for the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
For further inquiries:
Nao MIYAWAKI
Mail: nao.miyawaki@tokyo2020jp
Tristan LAVIER
Email: tristan.lavier@tokyo2020.jp
Alternatively, please find us online at http://tokyo2020.jp/en/
Twitter: @Tokyo2020jp
Facebook: Facebook.com/tokyo2020.jp
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