Tokyo, 14 July 2008 - TOKYO 2016's Olympic credentials further improved as more than 50 million Japanese people tuned into the FIVB World Grand Prix Volleyball Finals in Yokohama, showing their passion for Olympic sport.
Over the last five days, more than 55,000 fans were gripped as they watched the action courtside - displaying the same passionate support that is backing Tokyo's Bid to host the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games at the very heart of Japan's vibrant capital.
This major event was screened in Japan by Tokyo Broadcasting System and beamed around the world by major international broadcasters such as Eurosport. Amongst the supporters watching the event live was three-time Olympic volleyball legend and member of the TOKYO 2016 Bid Committee, Tomoko Yoshihara.
She said:"As a three-time Olympian, I was lucky enough to experience the intense passion of Japanese fans who regularly follow Olympic sport around the world. During my career, their support was immense and we have seen the same love for sport on the stands at the FIVB World Grand Prix. TOKYO 2016 brings a unique opportunity to harness this passion to unite Japan with the rest of the world and integrate the Games around the heart and soul of the world’s biggest city."
Dr Ichiro Kono, Chairman and CEO of TOKYO 2016, said:
"The FIVB World Grand Prix has showcased Japan's longstanding expertise at hosting major international sports events, as well as demonstrating our love of sport to millions of people. TOKYO 2016 will offer a unique opportunity to infuse the world with the Japanese passion for the Olympic Movement from the very heart of our great capital city. Now we can't wait to offer our inspiring Musubi Promise to the world: to unite youth with sport, the Games with city life, old and new Japan, heritage and innovation, and Green with 2016."
Already an experienced host of volleyball events, Tokyo staged the Final of the 2006 Men's and Women's World Championships and the FIVB World Olympic Qualification Tournament. Staged at the Yoyogi National Stadium and the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium respectively, both venues were built for Tokyo 1964 - the first Olympic Games in Asia - and are central to TOKYO 2016's plan to stage the most compact Olympic Games in history.
For further information, please contact:
Mihoko Nakagawa (Ms), Director, International Communications, TOKYO 2016
+81-3-5320-2480, mihoko.nakagawa@tokyo2016.or.jp
Masa Takaya (Mr), Manager, International Communications, TOKYO 2016
+81-3-5320-2480, masanori.takaya@tokyo2016.or.jp
