Tokyo Praised in IOC 2020 Bid Evaluation Report

Tokyo, June 25 (Jiji Press)--The International Olympic Committee praised Tokyo in a report released Tuesday on its evaluation of the three cities seeking to host the 2020 Summer Olympic Games. In the report, the IOC Evaluation Commission said Tokyo "has the necessary financial strength" to complete work to build and prepare all planned facilities on time. "Athletes would enjoy short travel times as the majority of venues would be within 20 minutes of the Olympic Village," the report also said. In the report, the commission expressed its views on the three cities, also including Istanbul and Madrid, that were worked out following its visits to the three cities in March. The report referred to safety measures taken in Japan after the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami. Studies and simulations "have shown that the topography and shape of the (Tokyo) bay significantly reduce the possible impact of a tsunami," said the report. Electricity supply capacity has returned to levels ahead of the natural disaster, the report said, adding that Tokyo is deemed able to host the Olympic Games. On Madrid, the commission noted that most of the planned venues are existing ones. But it also showed concern that sponsorship revenue may fall short of targets because of the sluggish economy. The commission noted civil war in Syria as a security risk for Istanbul. Despite these concerns, the Evaluation Commission said all three cities would be able to host the 2020 Games. The three cities will make presentations to the IOC members in early July. The IOC will choose the host by ballot at the committee's general meeting in Buenos Aires on Sept. 7 END