From projects to engage the whole of Japan for the next three years to an exciting new gender-balanced, youth and urban Olympic programme, the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 will deliver a unique experience to athletes and fans of all ages.

“The Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 will not only inspire the world during 16 days of competition but will bring new audiences to the Games and their values in the lead-up”, said IOC Coordination Commission Chairman John Coates.

“With the support of Tokyo 2020 we recently added 15 events to the Olympic programme, delivering greater gender equality and more of an urban and youth focus, while reducing the overall number of participants. 

“Our discussions this week have highlighted several ways in which this significant step forward will benefit the athletes and allow <st1:place w:st="on">Tokyo to involve people who might not necessarily have been interested in the Games before.”

During the IOC’s three-day visit, the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee emphasised various ways that Japanese residents can play a role in the Games’ preparations. These include, amongst other initiatives, encouraging people to donate their old electronic devices, so that they can be a part of creating an Olympic or Paralympic medal, and participating in Tokyo 2020’s upcoming nationwide flag tour.

“Planning is going extremely well; it is exceptionally detailed and precise; and Tokyo’s commercial programme is remarkable,” Coates said. “We do not have any concerns about this”./. (Source: www.olympic.org)