``I would like to commend you for your years of efforts to popularize sailing.'' - From the top leader of an organization that guides the international sports movement.
We received a warm message from Riviera. We would like to present you with an abridged translation.
Published April 2021
Promoted understanding of the local community
Riviera's contribution
International Olympic Committee Vice President
Mr. Selmyang Ng
Despite being held amid the coronavirus pandemic, TOKYO 2020 brought the world together as athletes showed off their amazing performances. I commend the Japanese governing body and authorities for creating a safe competition environment, as well as the volunteers who gave their all on the ground.
The Olympic sailing competition, which has a history dating back to the 2nd Paris Olympics, has always had a variety of close competitions with small differences in ability between the top athletes. At this year's event, people from all over the world were able to enjoy the same excitement from the comfort of their own homes as watching the games up close on the water.
Enoshima, the venue for the sailing competition, is a legacy of the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. It is of special significance that this legacy is used again. This is because it shows the generous understanding of fishermen and people in the leisure industry who normally conduct important businesses in the same area as the competition waters.
It was thanks to Riviera that we were able to hold the reception party at Riviera Zushi Marina, where competition officials and local people from different walks of life gathered together. With several beautiful marinas in strategic locations in Sagami Bay and the successful restoration of the historic sailing ship Sinara, Riviera is the custodian of humanity's maritime heritage.
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made this tournament a success.
Arigato TOKYO!
Arigato JAPAN!
And Arigato RIVIERA!!
The beauty of Sagami Bay
It was a tournament I enjoyed
World Sailing Chairman
Mr. Lee Kuan Hai
The success of the TOKYO 2020 sailing competition is the result of the collaborative efforts of many different people. All 10 events were held perfectly according to schedule thanks to the cooperation of international and local teams, and the athletes thoroughly enjoyed the Olympic experience.
Our top priority at World Sailing has always been to ensure that our athletes perform at their best. A great competition is the reward for everyone who worked to make this event possible.
Although the event was held without spectators due to coronavirus precautions, cutting-edge broadcasting technology enabled all spectators to experience the same excitement as those at the venue, making it possible to run the tournament safely and smoothly.
We would like to express our deepest gratitude to everyone in the Riviera community and the local community that hosted the event. We would like to pay tribute to the Riviera, which has worked to popularize marine sports and conveyed the charm of the sea to Japanese people and visitors to Japan. This is because we are protecting humanity's treasure, which is the ocean.
Enjoying the beauty of Sagami Bay at Riviera Zushi Marina and Riviera Seabornia Marina will remain in my heart forever as one of my best memories in Japan. We would also like to commend the heroic feat of completely restoring the historic boat Shinara.
