Tokyo’s bid for the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games received a boost from the 7th Plenary Meeting of the Asian Network of Major Cities 21 (ANMC21).
The convention, which took place in Kuala Lumpur from 19-22 November, saw Mayors and Governors of Asia’s important cities give their backing to Tokyo 2016’s ‘uniting our worlds’ vision, which aims to bring about an unprecedented urban and environmental transformation for the benefit of the continent, and the world’s major cities.
Dr Ichiro Kono, Chairman and CEO, Tokyo 2016, said: “Tokyo 2016 is delighted by the official support of ANMC 21, which shows that we have united Asia as we move towards uniting our worlds ahead of 2016. The support and collaboration of our continental partners will help us to maximise the social, sporting and economic legacy of the Tokyo 2016 Games vision, and bring about a new golden era for Japan, the region, and the entire Olympic Movement.
“Bringing the Olympic and Paralympic Games to the very heart of Japan’s vibrant capital city will showcase the best this continent has to offer – uniting green with 2016, the city with the Games, and millions of people, of all ages, with sport and healthy living.”
Tokyo 2016’s Games vision is in keeping with the ANMC 21’s special report on Sports Promotion. This notes the positive effects of sport on public health, the healthy development of children, as well as with regard to urban revitalisation and tourism. The body’s member cities are Bangkok, New Delhi, Hanoi, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Metropolitan Manila, Seoul,Singapore, Taipei, Tokyo and Yangon.
