Rugby Sevens Returns to Tokyo
This weekend’s Tokyo Sevens is the latest event touted by the city’s Olympic bid as a chance to showcase both organizational expertise and enthusiasm for sport.
The two-day tournament brings 16 countries from five continents to the Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby Stadium, one of the football venues for the Tokyo 1964 Games, and marks the return of rugby’s showcase HSBC Sevens World Series to Tokyo after an 11-year absence.
"Considering the global audience that such competitions attract, top-class facilities and organization are prerequisites," said Tsunekazu Takeda, president of both the Japanese Olympic Committee and Tokyo 2020.
"Tokyo is well-equipped to stage leading global sports events thanks to its winning combination of proven success, strong infrastructure and incredible venues. Tokyo is fully capable of staging the biggest sporting event of all in the heart of the city in 2020, where Rugby Sevens could provide many headlines."
Spanish Anti-Doping Support
The government of Spain and the Spanish Olympic Committee (COE) announced their joint commitment to the fight againstdoping on Friday.
According to a statement sent out by the Madrid 2020 bid, Miguel Cardenal, Secretary of State for Sports, told WADA director general David Howman that Spain "has always been committed to the fight against doping."
Joining Howman and Cardenal in Friday's meeting were COE president Alejandro Blanco as well as International Triathlon Union president and Spanish IOC member Marisol Casado.
"This isthe first time the WADA holds a meeting with the two highest representatives of both institutions at the same time," Blanco said.
"Every step taken to improve Spain’s image abroad on what we are doing to fight doping is always positive. People must understand that Spain is putting a great deal of effort into fighting against doping."
Jaca Dissolves Bid Committee
The government of the Huesca region of Spain dissolved the Jaca 2022 Olympic bid.
A report in Spanish news agency EFE quotes political leaders calling the bid "a mistake."
Located in the Pyrenees Mountains, the Spanish city has bid for four Olympics, most recently the 2014 Games.
Written by Ed Hula III.
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