On the Scene: Tokyo 2016 in Abuja

Japanese Olympic Committee president Tsunekazu Takeda, Tokyo 2016 executive member Yuko Arakida and bid chief Ichiro Kono presented Tokyo's case for hosting the 2016 Games. (ATR/Panasonic:Lumix)(ATR) Tokyo 2016 guaranteed it would be the most reliable and trustworthy partner for African NOCs and their athletes during a presentation to the general assembly of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa in Abuja, Nigeria.

Bid chief Dr. Ichiro Kono said he has always been impressed how Africans treat their Olympians and Paralympians like heroes, a respect shared in Japan. He said that is why the campaign slogan is "Setting the Stage for Heroes."

"Africa is very much athlete-oriented and NOC-oriented, so we tried to push our strong points for athletes and NOCs," he told Around the Rings.

The Japanese Olympic Committee already is well-known in Africa, having sponsored the ANOCA directory with a back-page ad.

"We tried to get any chance to show our presence," Kono said.

Tsunekazu Takeda, Japanese Olympic Committee president, expressed to the gathering that Tokyo 2016 would assist in organizing pre-Games training camps and smooth entry into Japan with multi-entry visas.

Yuko Arakida endeared herself to the assembly by appearing in a traditional Nigerian dress that was a violet color. "I love it," said Arakida, who said her luggage was still traveling.

She also took a dig at competitor Rio, which has had to battle a perception of crime, by saying that Tokyo, with 35 million people has an average of less than two robberies per day.

Tokyo showed two films - one explaining the venue plan and another with an Asian flavor of sights, sounds and colors.

Toshio Mochizuki, Tokyo 2016 Executive Member for International Affairs, spoke about Japan's long-time commitment to Africa, and emphasized efforts for youth.

He said following the Fourth International Conference on African Development (TICAD IV) last year, Japan doubled its Official Assistance Development (ODA) to Africa as well as doubling its private investment.

Clocking in at 15 minutes and 35 seconds, Tokyo - which presented second -- was the closest to the prescribed time, although Zambian Patrick Chamunda said cities could go over by a minute or two.

"As a humble Japanese, I try to keep the rules," Kono said.

He added that he had to cut one segment: Japanese architect Kenzo Tange, who designed Yuogi Stadium, the 1964 swimming stadium and proposed 2016 handball venue, also came up with the master plan for the city of Abuja.

He said he doesn't know yet if Tokyo will change its presentation before Copenhagen.

"We will check it and study the situation here," he said. "

Maybe we will change something, at present we will not make any big changes. We are confident about our plan."

Written by

Karen Rosen

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