#ICYMI: Tokyo 2020 Torch Relay; MMA Merger; Golf Olympic Strategy

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Tokyo 2020 Torch Relay to Visit 2011 Disaster Areas

Games organizers confirmed Tuesday that the Olympic flame will visit the three prefectures most affected by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami.

Announcing the "Hope Lights Our Way" concept for the 2020 Olympic torch relay across Japan, they said it will stop off for three days each in Fukushima, Iwate and Miyagi.

Before that, the Olympic flame will be put on display at various locations in the Tohoku region impacted by the devastating March 2011 natural disaster which killed thousands of people.

Tokyo 2020 said it would "showcase the recovery of Japan’s disaster-affected areas and the indomitable spirit of the people living there".

The torch relay will officially launch after this, taking in all 47 prefectures of Japan.

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Mixed Martial Arts Ramps Up Olympic Bid

The International Mixed Martial Arts Federation and World Mixed Martial Arts Association have merged under efforts to join the Olympic program in 2024 or 2028.

An agreement was reached between the heads of both organisations on Jan. 16 and approved at the federations’ general assemblies on March 25 and April 10 respectively.

Global unification of mixed martial arts (MMA) allows the sport to make an application to the Global Association of International Sports Federations. Under GAISF criteria only one governance application can be made per sport.

The merger also strengthens the sport’s application by delivering the required number of member federations to be recognised by their sports ministry or NOC. The joint membership now includes 90 national federations including an increased number of NOC-recognised members.

Leaders from mixed martial arts will take their campaign for GAISF recognition to Bangkok, site of next week’s SportAccord.

The sport is seeking to obtain GAISF observation status this year. It is aiming to gain full recognition through a vote at the 2019 GAISF general assembly, a spokeswoman tells Around the Rings.

In the months ahead, the sport also needs to attain signatory status to the World Anti-Doping Agency’s code. IMMAF is currently disputing WADA's rejection in the Swiss courts.

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Golf Federation Plans Olympic Strategy

Augusta National Golf Club provided the perfect setting as International Golf Federation leaders convened with members from its seven delivery partners to plot its strategic roadmap for Tokyo 2020 and beyond.

Golf federation executive director Antony Scanlon tells Around the Rings that like the Olympic Games, the annual Masters Tournament in Augusta showcases textbook branding and exemplary delivery.

"It epitomizes an event on how it understands its customers and clients," Scanlon told ATR. "It provides exactly what the players need as far as conditions and support off the course and the same for the patrons who have a wonderful experience around the course with great viewing positions, free access to stands and reasonably priced good food.

"If you look at its history, which other event other than the IOC has a quality sporting brand that is so well known – I can’t think of any other," he said.

Scanlon said the prestigious major championship offers the ideal location and amenities to conduct meetings with IGF’s strategic partners – the PGA Tour, LPGA, R&A, USGA, PGA of America, European Tour and Augusta National.

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