Sport Climbing was one of eight sports that addressed the Tokyo’s 2020 Additional Events Program Panel in Tokyo on August 7-8, in regards to adding the event to the 2020 Olympics.
The Sport Climbing Delegation was composed of seven members from the JMA (Japanese Mountaineering Association) and the IFSC (International Federation of Sport Climbing). The delegation made a 15-minute presentation followed by a 30-minute question and answer session, with a further 50-minute Q+A session planned on the following day.
The IFSC – JMA Delegation was composed of:
Mr. Marco Maria Scolaris (ITA) – IFSC President
Mrs. Debra Gawrych (USA) – IFSC Secretary General
Ms. Akiyo Noguchi (JPN) – IFSC Athletes’ Commission
Mr. Ogata Yoshio (JPN) – JMA Vice President
Mr. Yuji Hirayama (JPN) – JMA Sport Climbing Committee
Mr. Kobinata Toru (JPN) – IFSC Asian Council Vice
President
Mr. Jerome Meyer (FRA) – IFSC Sport Manager
“We were very honored to present our sport. The vision of sport climbing is higher, faster and stronger with a fresh youth-oriented approach. Climbing brings a new vertical dimension to the Olympic Games and is the only basic human movement not yet included. Venues are impressive and provide a powerful show”, IFSC President, Marco Maria Scolaris, said.
“We highly appreciated the hospitality and professionalism of the Tokyo 2020 Organizing
Committee”, IFSC Sport Manager, Jerome Meyer, emphasized. “Sport Climbing has many assets. Rules are simple; get to the top! Venues are low cost and flexible; costing approximately $250,000 and can be indoors, outdoors, or share space. In 2013 we counted 25 million climbers; in 2015 new estimates are 35 million. 50% of our climbers are under 25 years of age, thanks to the latest trend of urban/action sports.”
In September, the decision on the events(s) will be proposed to the IOC by the Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee. Then at the 129th IOC Session in August of 2016, the final decision will be made.
