TOKYO 2016 today announced it gained further confidence in hosting and welcoming international sport events, as two world class sporting fixtures successfully ended last Sunday. The Women’s Volleyball World Qualification series and the 2008 TOUR OF JAPAN, an international road cycling competition in its 12
The Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium, proposed venue for 2016 Olympics and previous venue for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, was filled with 10,000 cheering fans on the final day of play for the Women’s Volleyball World Final Qualification (and Beijing Olympic Games Asian qualifier). At the venue, which has been centre stage for many international sport events including figure skating, swimming, judo and volleyball, Japan, Serbia, Poland and Kazakhstan successfully gained qualification into the Beijing Games.
On the same day, the streets of Tokyo were also filled with 130,000 cycling fans, cheering as international cyclists competed in the 2008 TOUR OF JAPAN. The international cycle road race, authorised by the International Cycling Union, was completed in seven stages around Japan and culminated in a picturesque finish at Tokyo, going through the proposed area for the cycling (road race) event in the TOKYO 2016 Games plan.
Dr Ichiro Kono, TOKYO 2016 Chairman and CEO, said: “The two events, held at the very heart of the city, allowed
athletes and citizens to enjoy a taste of the incredible sporting experience promised in the TOKYO 2016 vision and
concept for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“I would like to congratulate the four women’s volleyball teams on winning their qualifying matches for the Beijing
Games. I would also like to commend Cameron Meyer, winner of the 2008 TOUR OF JAPAN for General Individual
Time Classification and each and every one of the competitors of both events. Each athlete demonstrated a passion
and commitment to their sports, two strong values we hope will be instilled within future generations of Olympic hopefuls,” Dr Kono said.
The city of Tokyo will also welcome the Men’s Volleyball World Final Qualification (the regional qualification of Asia
teams for the Beijing Olympics 2008) this weekend. The event will be held at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium from
31 May to 8 June 2008 and is expected to draw a high number of sport fans.
For further information, please contact:
Tetsuo Nakayama (Mr), Chief Director, International Communications, TOKYO 2016 Olympic Games Bid Committee
Masa Takaya (Mr), Manager, International Communications, TOKYO 2016 Olympic Games Bid Committee
+81-3-5320-2480, masanori.takaya@tokyo2016.or.jp