(ATR) The budget for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics could be known before the end of the month.
Japan’s Kyodo News Agency is reporting that the final numbers could be released as early as Dec. 21, the day the four-party working group that is reviewing the budget is set to hold a teleconference.
The group, which includes representatives of the IOC, Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee and the Japanese and Tokyo Metropolitan governments, is seeking to cut costs after the IOC "refused to accept" proposals from Tokyo Olympic organizers for a $20 billion budget earlier this month.
"We don’t have a clear distinction between the role of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the national government," Tokyo 2020 spokesperson Hikariko Ono explained to Around the Rings at the time. "As the distinction is clarified, trial calculation will approach the target."
Cost could still end up playing a large role when it comes to the final decision on the volleyball venue. The working group must choose between building a new arena near Tokyo Bay or using the existing Yokohama Arena south of Tokyo.
Ono says the athletes will not be forgotten in the effort to save money.
"Athlete First" is the principle we must not miss, so preparing the circumstance where athletes can do their best is important. We also must pay attention not to have cost overrun."
Ono also admits to ATR that she understands why the Japanese people are putting intense pressure on 2020 organizers to get the job done right.
"In Japan, the Olympics and Paralympics are loved so much. Tokyo 2020 and other sports events get intense attention. We guess the stern comments for us come from big expectations. We must make our best effort to meet expectations. "
Reported by Hironori Hashimoto in Tokyo and written by Gerard Farek.
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