IOC and Tokyo 2020 announce measures for Olympic Games, fit for "post-corona world"

The International Olympic Committee and Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee on Friday (25 September) announced initial plans to simplify the Games next summer that will help offset the cost of postponement and organise a "safe and secure" competition in the face of the coronavirus pandemic.

Organisers are calling it the "Tokyo Model".

"What we're going to deliver is a new Games, fit for a post-corona world", said IOC Vice President John Coates, Chairman of the Coordination Commission for Tokyo 2020.

"We go through these simplifications, we go through these efficiencies and we're going to leave an important legacy - which we're already calling the Tokyo Model - that will become a blueprint that will benefit future Olympic Organising Committees for many years to come.

"We cannot disregard a generation of Olympic athletes. I think that's critical. We have to ensure the Games go ahead for the athletes".

Added Tokyo 2020 President Mori Yoshiro, "This process will benefit future society – becoming a role model for future global events as people adapt to living in the new normal.

"We will make all efforts to ensure that in the future the Tokyo 2020 Games will be a legacy".

Simplified Games

Fifty-two items were listed for the simplification of the Games to be held 23 July-8 August, 2021, following two days of meetings by the Coordination Commission, which convened for the first time since the postponement was decided in March.

Notably as part of the streamlining process, 10 percent to 15 percent of the Olympic stakeholder delegation estimated at 50,000 will be reduced.

The team welcome ceremonies at the Athletes' Village - of which 44 were scheduled for the Olympics, 49 for the Paralympics - have been cancelled.

A figure for the total savings were not announced on this day with COVID-19 countermeasures still being deliberated in conjunction with the national and Tokyo metropolitan governments, the World Health Organization, the International Paralympic Committee and a host of infection experts.

Nakamura Hidemasa, Tokyo 2020 Games Delivery Officer, said the simplification of the Games is about more than money.

"A simplified Games sends a message to the people - that we care", Nakamura said. "The Olympics and Paralympics must change with the times as (IOC) President (Thomas) Bach said during the opening remarks.

"Costs are obviously important but so is our gesture during these trying times".