IOC To Review Proposed Cuts To Tokyo Games Tomorrow

The IOC's exec board is "expected to review" proposed cuts tomorrow that include "about 50 changes to fringe areas that leave the number of athletes -- 15,400 for the Olympics and Paralympics -- and all sports events untouched for next year," according to Stephen Wade of the AP. Also "largely untouched" will be the "opening and closing ceremonies, the heavily sponsored 121-day torch relay, and competition areas that will be seen on television broadcasts." Some of the proposed cuts listed in a detailed document from the organizers include: "fewer decorative banners; a 10-14% reduction in 'stakeholders' delegation sizes; five fewer international interpreters from a staff of 100; fewer shuttle buses; reduction in hospitality areas; suspension in production of mascot costumes; cancellation of official team welcome ceremonies." Tokyo and the IOC "have not offered an estimate of the savings, but estimates in Japan put them at 1-2% of official spending of $12.6 billion" (AP, 10/6).