POSTED: Thursday November 6th 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tokyo 2016 enhances its `Sport Tokyo for All` vision

Sport Tokyo For All: The Master Plan for the Advancement of Sports gets a boost

Genting, Malaysia, 6 November 2008 – Tokyo’s 2016 Olympic and Paralympic bid campaign was strengthened at the 12^th World Sport For All Congress 2008 here as the Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) reinforced its strategic plan, “Sport Tokyo For All: The Master Plan for the Advancement of Sports,” an ambitious plan designed to improve the fitness and well-being of all Tokyo citizens.

The plan is one of the driving pillars of Tokyo’s Big Change – the 10-Year Plan for the greatest urban and environmental transformation the world has ever seen. Tokyo 2016’s bid to bring the Olympic and Paralympic Games to Japan’s vibrant capital city will create the catalyst for this change, resulting in increased partcipation in, and access to, sport for all people.

This comprehensive plan comprises of three key strategies to promote sports and seamlessly integrate sports into the everyday lives of Tokyo’s citizens especially young people. Tokyo’s strategy also aims to develop the sporting talents of the city’s future generations and create a model of sporting society for cities across the globe. These include:

1.       Creating ease of access to sport for all

The transformation of Tokyo into a sports-friendly city will encourage participation in sports across all generations and cater for all levels of physical ability. Tokyo 2016 is already working with Olympians and Paralympians to promote sport in schools and local communities and has developed the unique programs such as Tokyo Exercise. It aims to promote the importance of physical activity to achieving a healthy life style for all.

Improved sports facilities will increase accessibility to sports for people with diabilities, while the city will be committed to developing another 100 sports clubs by 2016, stimulating further participation in sports at a community level. Furthermore, Tokyo will promote sports tourism by developing an information system that is linked to tourism development initiatives

2.       Identifying, developing and supporting new sporting talent

The Project will inspire Tokyo’s younger generations to realise their sporting potential with the effective use of sports information, and sports science and medical support. Tokyo is also committed to developing world-class coaches. Furthermore, specialised support and increased access to equipment will be provided for the development of athletes with disabilities.

To achieve these goals, Tokyo 2016 will work closely with the TMG to engage with the National Training Centre and the Japan Institute of Sports Sciences, to identify the nation’s Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls and provide the support required for their development from the grass roots to the podium level.

3.       Establishing a framework to ensure the success of Sport Tokyo for All

Tokyo will create a centralised database of sports coaches and volunteers to ensure the best talent is developed and involved in various sports programs. Tokyo will also continue to promote international exchange through sports and hosting international sports competitions.

Dr Ichiro Kono, Chairman and CEO of Tokyo 2016 commented:

“As the congress discussed people’s inactivity and obesity issues, Tokyo 2016 is committed to encouraging participation in sports and physical activity, especially among young people. We have the strong values in connecting people through friendship, a mutual respect and a desire to achieve excellence in everything we do that we share with the Olympic Movement.

“Tokyo 2016 has already implemented a number of practical strategies which will undoubtedly establish a global precedent to support the growth of the international sports movement. We are committed to building on the unpecedented support our Bid currently enjoys across all levels of society, and to continuing to promote sports for the benefit of not only Japan and the international sports community, but also the entire globe.”

The IOC Sport for All Congress is being held in Genting, Malaysia, from November 3 to 6.

 

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Keywords · Tokyo 2016 · Sport for All · IOC Sport for All Congress · Ichiro Kono

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