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TOKYO 2020 CEREMONIES DIRECTOR RESIGNS AFTER FEMALE DEROGATORY SUGGESTION
The executive creative director for the Tokyo 2020 Ceremonies has said he will resign after he suggested comedian and plus-size fashion icon Naomi Watanabe dress up as a pig for a section of the Olympic Games Opening Ceremony.
In another scandal for the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee following the resignation of Yoshiro Mori as President last month in a sexism row, Hiroshi Sasaki has offered to step down from his role after making the derogatory remark.
Sasaki’s suggestion – where he proposed a play on the word “Olympic” with his “Olympig” section, involving Watanabe coming down from the sky dressed as a pig – was reported by weekly magazine Shukan Bunshun.
According to Kyodo News, Sasaki has apologised for what he admitted was “a very inappropriate expression in my ideas and remarks” and has offered his resignation to President Seiko Hashimoto.
The 66-year-old, who became executive creative director for all four Tokyo 2020 Ceremonies in December, said his proposal, made last year, had been retracted following criticism from other members of the planning team.
“I sincerely apologise to her and people who have felt discomfort with such contents,” Sasaki said.
Shukan Bunshun reported Tokyo 2020 President Seiko Hashimoto, the replacement for Mori after he quit following derogatory comments he made about women, had held emergency talks with a senior International Olympic Committee (IOC) official before Sasaki announced he would step down.
Sasaki’s resignation marks the latest controversy linked to the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee and comes at a time where it is attempting to repair its reputation following the damage done by Mori’s sexist comments.
“I tend to joke often, so I said it just as something that slipped out of my mouth,” Sasaki told the magazine.
“[The idea of Watanabe] wearing a cute pink costume and sticking her tongue out as an ‘Olympig.’
“I thought that would make her look charming, but I was immediately reprimanded by male staff.
“I feel remorse.”
Sasaki was originally chosen to oversee the Paralympic Ceremonies, but was promoted in December after organisers suspended the initial seven-person planning team following the postponement of the Games.
The former official for Japanese advertising agency Dentsu Inc was responsible for the flag handover ceremony at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, which featured then Japanese Prime Minister Shinzō Abe dressed as Super Mario.
It appears Tokyo 2020 have been swifter to act compared with the Mori incident as the former Japanese Prime Minister remained in his post for over a week before he eventually resigned amid international furore at his remarks.
Mori sparked controversy after claiming Board meetings involving women often overrun because they talk too much.
Tokyo 2020 has since added 12 women to its Executive Board as part of plans to improve gender equality within the organisation.
The Olympics and Paralympics were postponed to this year because of the coronavirus pandemic. Insidethegames has contacted the IOC and Tokyo 2020 for comment.
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MFM Women Basketball Club at Mountain top after comprehensive defeat of hosts Liberian club
The mountains in Monrovia, Liberia are set on fire by Mountain of Fire and Miracle Women Basketball Club who comprehensively beat hosts, Invisible Eleven by 112-42 points in one of the opening matches of FIBA Africa Women Basketball League Zone 3 Qualifiers on Tuesday.
The General Overseer of the Christian church that owns the club, Dr Daniel Olukoya promptly sent a congratulatory message even as the team prepares for another duel this Wednesday against champions of Cote d’Ivoire, Friends Basketball Association (FBA) of Cocody.
“Thank you for flying the Nigerian flag so proudly in Liberia with your big win. The MFM family expects more from you as always. We will continue to support you to reach your potential and be the best at what you do.”
Tuesday’s international friendly between the Super Falcons and Algeria’s Green Ladies at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos will now commence at 2pm, as against the earlier-advertised 4pm.
The Nigeria Football Federation explained on Sunday that the Algerian delegation has opted to commence their return journey on Tuesday night.
“This has necessitated us moving the match forward in order to finish the encounter early for them to prepare for their movement to the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos for their return trip aboard Qatar Airways,” NFF’s Head of International Competitions, Dayo Enebi Achor, said.
The two international friendlies were put together by the Nigeria Football Federation to help the rebuilding process of the Super Falcons, following a below-par performance at the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament in France this summer, and the departure of American gaffer Randy Waldrum.
Two magnificent goals by Captain Rasheedat Ajibade earned the Falcons a 2-0 win over the Algerians on Saturday. A good number of home-based professionals, including former U17 stars Miracle Usani, Chioma Olise and Goodness Osigwe showed great promise in an entertaining encounter at the Remo Stars Training Complex in Ikenne-Remo.
Farid Benstiti, Coach of the Green Ladies, told thenff.com that his youthful team will prove a handful for the Falcons on Tuesday, having learnt a couple of things during the game in Ikenne-Remo.
“We will be much better on Tuesday. My girls have seen and learnt a few lessons today. We will take those lessons on board and dig our feet into the ground against the Falcons on Tuesday.”
The CAF Awards will again hold in Morocco this time on 16 December. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced that the prestigious ceremony, which honors the best performers in African football, will again take place on December 16 in Morocco.
This marks the third consecutive year that the North African nation will host the event, following successful editions in 2022 at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Maâmora and 2023 at the Palais des Congrès in Marrakech.
No specific venue has been named for the 2024 edition.
The ceremony encompasses various categories, including the coveted African Player of the Year award, which has been presented annually since 1992, with Ghana’s Abedi Pele being the inaugural recipient.
Other notable accolades include the African Women’s Player of the Year, Youth Player of the Year, Coach of the Year, and Club of the Year awards, among others.
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