Although they say they were impressed by the 2008 Osaka sports venues, the IOC inspection team visiting the city this week said they had some concerns about the access to some of the proposed sites.
Wrapping up a four-day tour of the city, committee chairman Hein Verbruggen said “we have witnessed Osaka’s impressive – and that is no exaggeraton – impressive existing sports facilities. Two-thirds of the sports infrastructure required for the Games already exists and is of extremely high standards.”
But the team said the success of the Games would depend on transportation links between three man-made islands where key facilities will be built.
Team member Craig Reedie said, “the heart of the Games is on these islands, it is absolutely crucial that the athletes can get to the venues, the press can get to the venues, and the spectators can get to the venues, all quickly, all efficiently, all easily”.
Meanwhile Osaka officials said they felt the team left with a strongly favourable image of the city, though they seemed surprised at the team’s aggressive questioning.
The evaluation team also looked at security preparations, the environmental impact of an Osaka Olympics and access for the handicapped.
