Bid team touches down in Innsbruck with ringing endorsement from the Turkish government

Istanbul; 12 January 2012: A high-powered Istanbul 2020 delegation arrived in Innsbruck today for the inaugural Winter Youth Olympic Games, looking to build on the significant momentum generated by a powerful public show of support from the Turkish government.

Turkey’s Minister of Sport, Suat Kılıç, on Thursday gave the Istanbul 2020 campaign real impetus as he reinforced the Government’s unequivocal support to Istanbul’s bid to realise Turkey’s long-cherished dream of hosting the Olympic Games. Mr Kılıç said:

“The Prime Minister of Turkey Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdogan has made the Olympic Games a personal priority and a national imperative. Turkey’s bid to bring the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games to Istanbul is a mission that has the full support of the government; it is a mission that should also be embraced by all political parties and indeed by the entire nation”.

Amongst the delegation at Innsbruck 2012 is Professor Ugur Erdener, IOC member, President of the World Archery Federation and President of the National Olympic Committee of Turkey. Alongside him will be Hasan Arat, Vice President of the National Olympic Committee of Turkey and a respected businessman and Ali Kiremitçioğlu, a leading figure in the international marketing and communications industry.

Arriving in Innsbruck, Hasan Arat spoke of the foundations of a compelling bid that are in now place:

“After a decade of growth, and progress, and lessons learned, the time is now right for Istanbul 2020. Turkey is better placed than ever before to offer the IOC the chance to cross a new frontier. Istanbul 2020 can connect the Olympic Movement to a new territory with unique cultural and economic potential where Asia and Europe meet.”

“Turkey is in a period of remarkable economic, social and sporting development. Hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games is a critical opportunity for us to accelerate and sustain that development.”

Professor Ugur Erdener has been actively involved at every step of the evolution of the Istanbul 2020 bid and he said:

“I have been proud to represent Turkey in the Olympic Movement for many years and I am convinced that this will be the most serious and credible bid Turkey has ever produced. With the wholehearted commitment from the government and the compelling concept that the bid committee is developing, I believe we have a really powerful story to share with the Olympic family.”

The full details of the structure of the Istanbul 2020 Bid Committee are being finalised and will be announced in due course. However Istanbul 2020 will be supported by a select group of the Olympic Movement’s most influential international Olympic experts, including Craig McLatchey’s EKS, Jon Tibbs’ JTA and Scott Givens’ FiveCurrents.

Commenting on the preparations for the IOC Applicant City File, Hasan Arat said:

“Working with the finest Turkish and international technical and Olympic experts, our focus over the last few months has been on preparing a really exciting and innovative concept that works for Istanbul and Turkey but one that also meets the needs and highest standards of the Olympic Movement in the 21st Century. This will be reflected in our Applicant City file which we are on track to submit to the IOC on 15 February.”
 

 For further information:

Jon Tibbs:      +44 790 997 4727

Derya Sezar: +90 542 225 52 22