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Officials from the 2016 bid cities of Tokyo and Madrid are in Malaysia attending the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) 12th World Sport for All Congress at the Genting Highlands.

A high level delegation from Tokyo 2016 includes Dr. Ichiro Kono, Chairman and CEO of Tokyo 2016, IOC Vice President Chiharu Igaya and Japanese Olympic Committee President Tsunekazu Takeda.

Dr. Kono said in a Tokyo 2016 press release, "as Tokyo's bid to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games gains momentum, we are seeing its power to engage or re-engage people with sport and healthy lifestyles. Applications for events such as the 2009 Tokyo Marathon are at an all time high, for example, and I am delighted to be able to share the initiatives that Japan and Tokyo 2016 is implementing to bring the benefits of sport to our society.

"The concept of ‘Sport for All - for Life' resonates strongly with us and fits perfectly with Tokyo 2016's Musubi Promise to integrate the Olympic and Paralympic Games with the fabric of city life. We believe that Tokyo 2016 would inspire people across the world to become more involved in sport".

Meanwhile Madrid 2016 CEO Mercedes Coghen is leading Madrid's delegation at the Congress. She said that Sport for All will enhance the lives of "Generation 16" and that the principles of the program have inspired Madrid's own dream to get more people of all ages involved in sport.

"Generation 16 is at the heart of the Madrid 2016 Olympic and Paralympic bid. We have taken the concept of sport for all and made it relevant to everyone of all ages who will experience the Games in 2016.

"So Generation 16 is not one program but many different programs encouraging participation in an active lifestyle and promoting the sporting values of fair play.

"Our message to schools, to clubs and community centres and to schemes that work with the elderly is that you are never too young or too old to enhance your life through a more active and healthier life style. And if Madrid can not only aspire to the Olympics ideal but actually live that ideal through Generation 16, then the benefits will foster health and social integration", said Coghen.

The IOC World Sport for All Congress ends November 6.

(Source: Gamesbids.com)