Istanbul 2020 has joined Baku, Tokyo, Madrid, and Doha in submitting its Application File Wednesday to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in Lausanne.
Hasan Arat, a leading member of Istanbul 2020 and Vice President of the Turkish NOC said, “the last decade has been a period of spectacular development for Turkey; now we are ready to deliver a truly world-class Games. Our dramatically enhanced Application File is the culmination of 20 years’ bidding experience with lessons learned and improvements made along every step of the way.
“The time is right for Istanbul: we have a world-class team of domestic and international experts, with the unequivocal backing of every level of government, and a firm financial footing in Europe’s fastest-grown economy. Turkey is better placed than ever to realize its Olympic dream.”
He added, “Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has identified Istanbul 2020 as a personal and strategic imperative. Our unique Olympic Law ensures Games delivery is a national priority and the Olympic Charter is even incorporated into our Constitution. Eighty-seven per cent of people in Istanbul want to see the Games come to their city and our young, dynamic population is desperate for more chances to play and stay in sport. Turkey wants the Games, and we are ready for the challenge”.
Istanbul 2020’s website will go live Thursday at www.istanbul2020.com.tr.
