Japanese Olympic Committee Embraces Students from Rotterdam

The Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC) welcomed students from Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences’ Leisure Management division today at the Ajinomoto National Training Centre. The students’ one-week visit to Tokyo is part of their project to explore the impact of the Olympic and Paralympic Games has on a city. The sincere interaction between the two sides was yet another example of the universality of the Olympic Movement and its timeless values of respect and friendship for all people.

JOC Director of President’s Office Yasuhiro Nakamori and the young scholars from Rotterdam, the applicant city of the 3rd Summer Youth Olympic Games in 2018, actively exchanged their opinions on how the Games can be a catalyst for positive change in host cities.

Nakamori said: "Having the opportunity to meet students who are passionate about sports is quite powerful and I’m glad we were able to meet. It was also a great opportunity to introduce Tokyo 2020’s plans to the students, and I do hope that they had good impressions for the Olympic Movement in Japan and also for Tokyo’s plan."

Professor Leonie van der Laan said: "Tokyo is an amazing city if you look at the architecture. But if you also look at the modernity and cultures from the past, such as its temples for example, the city is very beautiful. People are very friendly and I think that’s a good thing for the Olympic Games; their hospitality is good. A second good thing is also the way everything is structured. If you want to organise such a big event you need good planning and everything needs to be structured."

The students’ reports will contribute to future biding for various global sporting events in the Netherlands.

For further inquiries, please contact:

Yasuhiro Nakamori Director, President’s Office

Phone: +81 3 3481 2286 / Email: y-nakamori@joc.or.jp

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