High-ranking delegation promises 'perfect partnership' in St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg; May 26, 2013 : The Istanbul 2020 Bid Committee is set to travel to Saint Petersburg for the 2013 edition of SportAccord. The delegation, led by Hasan Arat, President of the Bid Committee, will demonstrate that Istanbul 2020 is a risk-free choice for the Olympic Movement and an unprecedented opportunity for International Sports Federations.
Istanbul 2020 will travel to Saint Petersburg, a sister city of Istanbul, with a high-ranking delegation. Suat Kılıç, Minister of Youth and Sports, Professor Uğur Erdener, President of the Turkish National Olympic Committee, Ali Kiremitçioğlu, Director of the Bid Committee, Alp Berker, Sports Director of Istanbul 2020 and Neslihan Darnel, volleyball champion, are joined by Hasan Arat. Representatives from the seven Istanbul 2020 partners who alone contributed to the largest private sector investment in Turkey's bidding history will also participate in the convention.
Hasan Arat, President of Istanbul 2020, said:
"The high level of our delegation, present here in Saint Petersburg, demonstrates that Istanbul 2020 is a national priority for Turkey. For 20 years, hosting the Games has been one of our country’s greatest ambitions.
"Since our last application, we have demonstrated that Turkey is a reliable and efficient host. During this period, we have hosted more than 40 major events, including 12 major international sporting events in 2012. However, our learning process is constant and SportAccord is a key step in our development. We are determined to offer the Olympic Family a perfect partnership; this convention is a fantastic opportunity to deepen our understanding of the priorities and needs of International Federations ».
"St. Petersburg is one of Istanbul's sister cities and has 342 bridges. It is a perfect place to share our message of unity with the Olympic Family: Bridge Together."
The Istanbul 2020 concept places the city's iconic setting at the heart of the action, to inspire public passion and foster peak athlete performances. They will be able to access the most modern infrastructures which will help them to compete in ideal conditions and to give the best of themselves. For the first time in Olympic history, the Olympic Village will house an ultra-modern training center and a free rest center for athletes, thus minimizing pre-competition travel.
Uğur Erdener, President of the National Olympic Committee of Turkey, added:
"At Istanbul 2020, all athletes will benefit from the world-class facilities they need to focus on their sporting performances. Beyond this aspect, our presentation of their sports will be very rewarding, and will push them to accomplish feats. I am confident that Istanbul 2020 will create those unforgettable moments in sporting history that captivate the whole world.
"First Games in Turkish history, first Games straddling two continents: Istanbul 2020 opens a unique and unparalleled opportunity to allow International Federations to reach new audiences in an emerging market.”
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Notes to editors:
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