The new committee allows small, medium and large companies to help Japan\'s vibrant capital for the Olympic bid
Tokyo, 26 November 2008 – Tokyo 2016 today received the support of around 80,000 Tokyo-based businesses after the Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI) established the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Bid Special Committee. The new committee allows small, medium and large companies to help Japan's vibrant capital to secure the right to host the world's greatest event in 2016. This builds on the Bid’s already strong support within the business community - the lifeblood of the Japanese economy.
Tokyo 2016 will utilise TCCI’s extensive business network to further engage businesses and stimulate additional support for the Bid – which is already backed by more than 70% of the Japanese population.
The new committee, the first of its kind, will allow the TCCI’s 80,000 members to unite with Tokyo 2016’s Bid and share with Japanese society the economic benefits of hosting the 2016 Games at the heart of Japan's dynamic capital.
As part of this partnership, Tokyo 2016 will play a major role in a variety of events hosted by the TCCI throughout Japan and around the world. This collaboration will include Tokyo 2016’s Athlete Ambassadors speaking at TCCI events where they will communicate the Bid’s vision for the Games and describe the many business opportunities that Tokyo 2016 will bring.
The new committee will be chaired by Kiyofumi Kamijyo, Vice Chairman of TCCI. His colleague, Yoshihide Watanabe, Vice Chairman of TCCI, will act as Vice Chairman of the Special Committee alongside Tadaharu Goto, an Olympic swimmer at the 1964 Tokyo Games.
Kiyofumi Kamijyo, said: “I find it very exciting that up to 80,000 of our members are willing to throw their support behind Tokyo 2016’s exciting Bid to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games at the heart of our vibrant capital. The Japanese business community sees Tokyo 2016 as an excellent opportunity, as a result the TCCI are intent on promoting the Bid’s advantages to both business and the public across our country.”
Yoshihide Watanabe, said: “A Tokyo Olympiad would generate a huge boost to the regional economy. I’m firmly convinced that holding the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo would enhance the local and national economy. In partnership with Tokyo 2016, the TCCI will stage events designed to generate momentum behind the Bid from Japanese business and public alike.”
Tadaharu Goto, said: “Participating in the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games gave me a real passion for the Olympic Movement. Inspired by this experience, I established a sports club to train world-class athletes and to help people create lifelong health plans. I’d love to see Tokyo host the Olympic Games and enable another generation to be touched by the Games.”
Dr Ichiro Kono, Chairman and CEO of Tokyo 2016 commented: “Tokyo 2016 already enjoys the support of more than 90 million Japanese people. The new Committee will allow us to work with some of the most important business figures in Japan, who sit in the engine room of our nation. Together we will promote the reality that Tokyo 2016 will not only be a central part of the greatest ever urban transformation, but it will also deliver a tangible economic legacy for the people of Japan.”
The Committee will operate until the host city of the 2016 Games is announced by the International Olympic Committee on 2 October 2009 in Copenhagen, Denmark.
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