Chicago Olympics Rival Gains 2020 Support

Tokyo beat out Chicago two years ago in the first round of voting

Chicago's former competitor in the 2016 Olympics gained momentum this week with Japan's official backing of its new bid.

Tokyo beat out Chicago two years ago in the first round of voting in Copenhagen, edging out the Windy City by four votes. Rio de Janeiro went on to win the 2016 bid on the third ballot.

The Government of Japan on Tuesday gave its approval of the bid to host the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games to promote "the development of sport for citizens across the country, regardless of age, gender or ability," the Tokyo 2020 campaign announced in a press release.

“Today’s declaration of support from the Cabinet constitutes another major piece in the jigsaw and ensures that we will receive widespread support from both the public and private sectors as we strive to bring the Games to Tokyo in 2020,” said Tsunekazu Takeda, Tokyo 2020 president.

Tokyo last month unveiled its official logo, featuring an arrangement of cherry blossoms, which designers say symbolize “the concepts of friendship and peace.”

Six cities are competing to host the 2020 Olympic Games. In addition to Tokyo, applications have been submitted by Baku, Azerbaijan; Doha, Qatar; Istanbul, Turkey; Madrid, Spain; and Rome, Italy. 

The United States, and more specifically, Chicago, did not make an effort to enter the 2020 contest.

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