The International Olympic Committee (IOC) Evaluation Commission wrapped up its tour of the three candidate cities for the 2020 Olympics on Thursday by stating that it had received an ?excellent impression? of the merits of Istanbul?s bid.
Following earlier visits to Tokyo and Madrid, the Turkish city has been the final destination for the Commission this week as the race for the 2020 Games heads into its decisive final months. After four previous failed bids, Istanbul 2020 has touted its strong economy, plans for modern venues and its potential to offer an innovative European/Asian Olympics. In addition, the bid committee on Thursday cited its determination to leverage the Paralympic Games by halving the standard transition time between Games phases at the 2020 Games. Should Istanbul be awarded the Games, the traditional changeover time of seven to 10 days between the Olympic and Paralympic Games will be cut to just five.
Evaluation Commission chairman, Sir Craig Reedie, said of this week?s visit: ?We have an excellent impression of the bid committee, and we have witnessed the strong support that the bid enjoys from the government, which was highlighted by the presence of President (Abdullah) G?l this week.?
While Madrid and Tokyo have detailed infrastructure budgets of US$1.9 billion and $4.9 billion respectively, Istanbul plans to spend $19.2 billion regardless of whether it wins the right to stage the Games. This funding will go towards addressing the city?s transportation issues, along with other projects, and has been earmarked as part of preparations for the centenary of the creation of the republic in 2023.
?This is what the city estimates it will spend? at the time of the Games,? said IOC executive director Gilbert Felli, according to the Associated Press. ?The trains, the roads, the railways, the development of the new city ? it is part of what they are going to do anyway for the 2023 anniversary of the country. Even if the Games are not coming here? this will be spent.?
The three bid cities are now due to make presentations in May at SportAccord Convention in Saint-Petersburg, Russia. The election of the host city will take place on September 7 during the 125th IOC Session in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Assessing this week?s IOC visit, Istanbul 2020 chairman Hasan Arat said: ??My first impression is Turkey and Istanbul did very well. We have fantastic support from our government, from our president and prime minister. They are totally behind the bid, giving the guarantees. That makes Istanbul very strong.?
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IOC concludes 2020 Olympic visits with ?excellent impression? of Istanbul
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