One Ring Away
Monday 28 September 2015 The International Surfing Association has expressed its delight at the decision by the Tokyo 2020 Olympics committee to recommend surfing for the 2020 games, with skateboarding also in the mix.
Tokyo 2020 recommended to the IOC that surfing be included, and the IOC will take the decision at the 129th IOC session in Rio de Janiero in August 2016. The decision is also being taken to including sport climbing, skateboarding, baseball/softball, and karate.
A BBC news story stated that the five new sports would take place over 18 events and include 474 more athletes. "Games hosts are being given a chance to bring in one or more sports popular in their country to boost ratings and attract greater sponsorship."
Apparently, eight sports from a total of 26 federations were shortlisted, with bowling, squash and wushu missing out.
"This package of events represents both traditional and emerging, youth-focused events, all of which are popular both in Japan and internationally," said a statement from the Tokyo 2020 organising committee.
"This package of events represents both traditional and emerging, youth-focused events, all of which are popular both in Japan and internationally," said a statement from the Tokyo 2020 organising committee.
ISA President Fernando Aguerre said that the announcement was "an extraordinary moment for our sport and for the global surfing community".
He said that the ISA "was thrilled that Tokyo 2020 has recognised the exceptional value and youthful lifestyle that Surfing can bring to the 2020 Games. We are deeply grateful to Tokyo 2020 and the IOC for providing us with this wonderful opportunity. We are immensely proud of our sport and what it would bring to the Games and we will continue to work closely with the Olympic Movement to achieve our Olympic dream.”
Aguerre added “Surfing has incredible and growing global appeal, particularly amongst young people, and we believe that the dynamic energy of the sport and its fan base around the world would bring many benefits for Tokyo 2020 and the Games. Surfing embodies a cool, playful lifestyle that would add a completely new element to the programme, helping the Games reach new fans through live action and stunning broadcast opportunities. The announcement gives us renewed drive and focus and we are looking forward to working closely with the IOC and Tokyo 2020 in the crucial months ahead.”