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                      IOC Set to Choose 2020 Olympics Host

   The International Olympic Committee is meeting in Buenos Aires,
   Argentina this week and will vote Saturday on the host city for the
   2020 Summer Olympics. The three bidding cities are Tokyo, Istanbul and
   Madrid.
   Tokyo is considered to be the favorite, although Japan has had to
   deflect concerns about a radioactive water leak from the crippled
   Fukushima nuclear power plant. But Tokyo bid committee president
   Tsunekazu Takeda says enthusiasm for Tokyo`s bid has been growing
   steadily.
   "People are excited to imagine Tokyo transformed to a city center party
   as never before. And we Japanese people have always loved sports, and
   our TV ratings of the Olympic and Paralympic Games are among the
   highest in the world."
   Istanbul`s candidacy is uncertain because of the political situation
   there. But Istanbul bid chief Hassan Arat said bidding for the games
   has left a lasting sporting legacy for Turkey and the world, regardless
   of who wins the 2020 hosting rights.
   "The bid has really inspired people. The last IOC public poll supported
   Istanbul - 83 percent, the highest among these three cities."
   Madrid has tried to deflect questions about its 27 percent unemployment
   rate and economic struggles in Spain. Alejandro Blanco Bravo, Madrid`s
   bid committee chairman, said bringing the Games to the Spanish city
   would transform the society.
   "The situation that we have experienced in Spain, in Europe, and in the
   world indicates that there is a significant lack of values. Sport can
   provide us with them, and the Olympic Games are the greatest expression
   of these values."
   Madrid has failed in its previous three attempts to become Olympic
   host. It was runner-up to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, which will stage the
   2016 Summer Games.
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   1744241.html

References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/ioc-set-to-choose-2020-olympics-host/1744241.html