Tokyo play it safe in final 2016 presentation

From James Toney, Sportsbeat, in Copenhagen

TOKYO again highlighted their green credentials during a final pitch to International Olympic Committee members ahead of today’s 2016 host city vote in Copenhagen.

GREEN CARD: New Japanese PM Yukio Hatoyama claims only Tokyo can meet the environmental challenges of staging the 2016 Olympics

However, their decision to speak in English throughout their presentation, while commendable, could have backfired.

Although flawless when presenting, they struggled to articulate their message when being questioned by members.

“Tokyo is indeed well positioned to serve as a future model of public safety and environmental sustainability,” said Hatoyama.

“In Tokyo everyone will witness human endeavor thriving in harmony with nature. We might call it “fraternity between man and nature,” and I believe it will guide us forward.

"In hosting the 2016 Games, Tokyo will show the world how a major metropolis can flourish without detriment to the environment.”

Shintaro Ishihara, Tokyo’s governor, also pressed home the environmental advantages of the bid – linking today’s vote with next month’s UN Climate Change summit, also being staged in Copenhagen.

“In 1964, I saw how the power of sport transformed Japan,” he said.

“And fifty years later, I still believe in the power of the Olympic Games. I believe in the power of sport. I want to offer our grandchildren the hope, the courage, and the power to face the future.

“That is why I want to propose a new Olympic Games for the twenty-first century. Tokyo is creating a model for a new society – a society inspired by sport and your own Olympic Movement. And we will share our expertise with future host cities and the world.

“It is symbolic that you will choose the 2016 Host City here, the same venue as the COP15  United Nations Climate Change Conference this December. Your decision today could be as significant as theirs.

“Through the power of sport – through the power of the Olympic and Paralympic Games – together we can encourage and inspire the next generation, across the world, in Japan, and in Tokyo, where our people live and breathe sport every day.”

In truth, Tokyo’s presentation reflected their bid. It was professional but uninspiring and their odds on staging the Games for the first time since 1964 have been drifting all week.

DECISION 2016: Sportsbeat's James Toney and Gerard Meagher live blog from the 2016 host city election in Copenhagen