Tokyo 2016 today finalised the venue plans that will see Japan’s capital host the most compact Olympic and Paralympic Games ever.
Today’s announcement included a commitment to a permanent Aquatics venue – leaving a sporting legacy for future generations.
The venue finalisations, made at today’s Tokyo 2016 Executive Board Members Board meeting, demonstrate the Bid Committee’s determination to create an enduring legacy. The Marathon course will begin at Kasumigaoka National Stadium and finish at the 2016 Olympic Stadium – uniting the legacy of the 1964 legacy with Tokyo 2016.
Athletes at Tokyo 2016 will benefit from having nearly every training facility within 30 minutes of the Olympic Village and competition venues. They will also enjoy the close proximity of the Tokyo 2016’ track cycling venue, the Ohi Velodrome, to the Olympic Village.
Today’s decisions will play a key role in Tokyo 2016 hosting an expertly-organised, compact Games that will deliver an amazing legacy for the Olympic Movement, Japan and the world.
The finalisations to the venue plan that announced by Tokyo 2016 today also include:
The Aquatics Venue at The Tokyo Tatsumi International Swimming Centre - originally designated a temporary venue - will now be permanent. This will leave an Aquatics legacy for future generations
The Tokyo 2016 Marathon course will start from the 1964 legacy venue, Kasumigaoka National Stadium, and finish at the Olympic Stadium. During the race, the athletes will complete a three lap course – giving spectators the opportunity to see the athletes three times; ensuring efficient management of event officials and making it easier for athletes to plan their race strategy
Tokyo 2016’s Ohi Velodrome, track cycling venue will now be located at the Sports Forest of Ohifuto-Chuo-Kaihin Park – significantly closer to the Olympic Village and other Games venues following venues plan enhancements
IOC Hotels
At the meeting, the Tokyo 2016 Executive Board Members also decided on the official IOC hotels for the Games, These will be: the Hotel Okura Tokyo; the ANA Intercontinental Hotel Tokyo and the Grand Prince Hotel Akasaka.
Their world class standards and proximity to the Imperial Palace, the offices of the Prime Minister of Japan and his Cabinet and the Diet Building make them well-suited for welcoming the Olympic family and visitors from abroad.
Paralympic Games Plans
To ensure a strong connection between the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, the Tokyo 2016 Executive Board Members confirmed their decision to hold all Paralympic events at Tokyo 2016 Olympic Games venues.
It was also decided that the Paralympic Games would be hosted through 13 rather than 12 days – between 30 August to 11 September 2016.
Dr Ichiro Kono Chairman and CEO of Tokyo 2016, said:
“I am delighted that we have finalised our venue plans, today’s decision will ensure that Tokyo 2016 hosts the most compact Olympic and Paralympic Games ever in 2016. The new developments in our plan are very exciting, especially the plans to ensure that legacy is at the heart of Tokyo 2016’s plans by ensuring there is a permanent Aquatics legacy and by uniting the 1964 legacy with Tokyo 2016 through the Marathon route.”
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