The Japan Triathlon Union (JTU) and City of Yokohama recently obtained a certificate of “ISO20121” for its excellent organization and event sustainability management for the 2012 ITU World Triathlon Series Yokohama. The award is one of high prestige, as it was given to the 2012 London Olympics. It is the first time ever an event in Japan has received this certificate.

This international standard system is designed to support the event industry with the standardized management system for environmental, economic and social impacts that the event concerned may induce, and addresses improved sustainability throughout the event period.

As a recipient of ISO20121, the World Triathlon Series Yokohama is further expected to transmit its innovative spirit of sport-event management to the world and raise its branding value across the globe.

JTU and Yokohama, under the leadership of Mayor Fumiko Hayashi, received the award for the following reasons:

Efforts for environment:
Cleaning up the sea bottom at Port of Yokohama where the swim course was laid out. The local organizing committee also implemented activities including the “Green Triathlon” that promotes environmental conservation through with environmentally-friendly triathlon events.

Efforts for society:
Organization of the event by developing understanding of WTS races amongst residents and corporations, as well as soliciting support from many citizens, institutions and volunteers in the area. Race organizers developed a crisis management system to ensure the safety of athletes and spectators was the top priority.

Efforts for economy:
The race contributed to the revitalization of the economy in the city due to the large number of spectators and participants, which yielded support from a great number of sponsors.

With files from the Japan Triathlon Union.