Sportcal | News | Istanbul 2020 Celebrates Historic Day for Turkey

Olympics - 24 May 2012

Istanbul 2020 Celebrates Historic Day for Turkey

Istanbul granted official candidate status for 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games

Quebec City, 23 May 2012: Turkey is celebrating a historic moment in its history after the IOC today named Istanbul an official Candidate City for the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, in an announcement at the SportAccord Convention in Quebec City.

This is Istanbul’s fifth Bid, but the first time the city has been shortlisted based on the recommendation of the IOC Working Group. This acknowledgement of technical merit, said Hasan Arat, a leading member of the Bid team, represents a landmark moment in the Bid, and in Turkish sport:

“I would like to thank the Working Group, the IOC Executive Board, Gilbert Felli and of course President Rogge for their meticulous hard work in evaluating our Bid. We are grateful and honoured, and we will not let them down. The recommendation from the Working Group proves that this is a new Bid for a new Turkey. Istanbul has learned the lessons of past Bids; we have gathered a young, dynamic and very strong team around us; and we have created a fresh and compelling concept. This time, Istanbul is ready to deliver.”

Professor Ugur Erdener, IOC member, President of World Archery and President of the Turkish NOC, added:
“It is an honour to be named an official Candidate City. This is a major step towards realising Turkey’s Olympic dream. But now the hard work really begins, to repay the belief the Olympic family has shown in us. We have proven our potential to host a technically excellent Games – now we can begin to share our vision for what the Games could mean for Istanbul, Turkey and the entire Olympic Movement.”

Hidayet Turkoglu, the national men’s basketball captain and a player for the NBA’s Orlando Magic, emphasised what a special moment this is for young Turkish athletes:

“It is a proud day for Turkish sport. 2020 may be too far away for me, but for millions of young Turkish athletes Istanbul 2020 it will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The chance to compete on the greatest stage in sport in front of a home crowd will inspire a generation of young people – not just to get on the podium, but to lead healthier lives and share the Olympic vales.”

Notes to Editors:
For more information, please contact the Istanbul 2020 media team:
media@instanbul2020.com.tr
Alternatively, find us online at www.istanbul2020.com.tr
on Twitter: @2020_istanbul
or on Facebook: www.facebook.com/Istanbul2020

Latest News

»	Nine Network: IOC to Make Next Australian Olympic TV Deal a Three-games Package Media Rights - Olympics

»	England's FA Cup Final to Return to Standalone End-of-season Date in 2014 Leagues & Cups - Soccer

»	Ukraine Maintains 16-Club Premier League to Help National Team despite Financial Crisis Leagues & Cups - Soccer

»	Pescara Beats off Marseille to Host Inaugural Mediterranean Beach Games in 2015 Events - Games

»	TF1 Follows Canal Plus in Distancing Itself from Bid for Roland Garros TV Rights Media Rights - Tennis

»	Jamaican Sprinter Campbell-Brown Provisionally Suspended in Wake of Failed Drugs Test Anti-doping - Athletics

»	WPBSA Frustrations Grow as Lee Match-fixing Hearing Delayed to September Federations & NOCs - Snooker

»	Fifa's Valcke Backs President Blatter to Stay on Beyond 2015 Federations & NOCs - Soccer

»	DFL's Digital Subsidiary Reappoints Bundesliga Website Service Provider Internet - Soccer

»	Welsh Rugby Chief Wants Better Compensation for Home Unions from Lions Tours Financial - Rugby Union

Allington House
25 High Street
Wimbledon Village
London
SW19 5DX
United Kingdom

Tel: +44 (0) 20 8944 8786
Fax: +44 (0) 20 8944 8740

Company Registration No. 02592321

Pictures supplied by Getty Images / AFP and associated companies