Tokyo 2020 Taps Social Media; Istanbul Logo Close; Amsterdam for 2028?

Tokyo 2020 Taps Social Media

Around the Rings has learned that Tokyo 2020 will launch a new social network feature on its official website Friday in a bid to bolster public support.

A bid spokesman said the feature "enables visitors to share their reasons, passion and enthusiasm – why they want to bring the 2020 Games to Tokyo".

The new content, available only in Japanese until January 2013 in accordance with IOC regulations on SNS activities, features comments from Olympians and Paralympians, fashion designers, award-winning creative directors and many others keen to voice their personal reasons for supporting Tokyo’s bid.

Tokyo 2020 said comments from members of the Japanese general public will be added in a few weeks. Visitors can share comments via social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter.

The announcement signals the intent of bid leaders to grow public support for their Olympic campaign.

Lagging public backing is one of Tokyo 2020's weak points. The public opinion survey commissioned by the IOC shows just 47 percent support in Tokyo for an Olympics (the lowest of the three bids) with 23 percent opposed (the highest of the three cities).

Istanbul and Madrid are the other cities vying for the 2020 Games.

"Public passion toward the dream to bring the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games is being built day by day," the Tokyo 2020 spokesman told ATR.

"With the 35 million population in Greater Tokyo area and 13 million in the city center, Tokyo 2020's backed by millions of people already."

He added: "An award-winning communication designer is participating in this project, and his extensive background is a tremendousasset for Tokyo 2020. We believe that the new feature will further build a momentum to get more people join the bid."

Istanbul to Unveil Logo

Istanbul 2020 says its logo competition attracted thousands of votes, but there was one clear winner.

Turkish citizens voted on five potential logos posted on the bid committee website last week.

The winning logo is now being modified for final IOC approval.

Bid officials will unveil the logo next week. Soon after that, the bid will reveal the overall look of the bid.

Amsterdam 2028

Amsterdam will bid for the 2028 Olympics on its own with Rotterdam as a partner city if the Dutch NOC decides to pursue its Olympic ambition in the coming years.

The announcement by the Dutch NOC follows an agreement between both cities not to do battle to become the chosen city of the Netherlands for a possible bid.

Various feasibility studies are to be undertaken over the next few years on Amsterdam's capabilities to stage the Summer Games. The Dutch NOC is expected to announce whether it will go ahead with a bid in 2016. The Netherlands has only once staged the Olympics – Amsterdam hosted the 1928 edition.

Rotterdam is one of six cities bidding for the 2018 Youth Olympics.

Dutch NOC president André Bolhuis said he was delighted that Amsterdam and Rotterdam had decided to work together on a potential bid.

Reported by Mark Bisson

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