Bidding for the Games -- Istanbul, Rome Developments; Quebec Declines for 2022

Istanbul Bid in Hands of National Government

The national government is expected to complete its study of the Istanbul bid for the 2020 Olympics within a week or two, NOC president and IOC member Ugur Erdener tells Around the Rings.

"We have a totally new sports management in Turkey. We have a new minister of sports and youth," says Erdener about the review, which he says should lead to the formation of a bid committee.

"As the Turkish NOC we have prepared a very detailed file for them. We had a meeting with the minister and his team last week and probably another within the next week," he says.

"Time is running and we have some important steps ahead of us. I think everything will be clear with our bid committee within the next two weeks.

The national government, led by Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, former Istanbul mayor, is making this fifth Olympic bid a national priority.

Rome Names Top International Adviser

Robert Fasulo has joined the team at the Rome bid for the 2020 Olympics as a senior adviser for international relations.

Fasulo, who previously was IR chief for the U.S. Olympic Committee, started work in late August.

During the 1980s and 1990s Fasulo lived in Italy, where he was chief of staff for late IAAF president Primo Nebiolo.

Fasulo tells ATR that Rome is assembling a strong team as well as a bid that he says "is respectful of the Olympic Movement".

He notes that the technical aspects of the bid reflect the city’s overall plan for development through the next10 years.

Quebec Passes on 2022

The mayor of Quebec City says the city will pass on a 2022 Olympic bid.

Regis Labeaume made the announcement on Tuesday following a meeting with high-ranking Canadian Olympic officials, including Marcel Aubut, president of the Canadian Olympic Committee and a native of Quebec.

"We don't have the feeling that we have a reasonable chance to get them, we don't want to lose money," Labeaume was quoted by Canadian media.

He added that a 2026 bid "could be a target."

"We are still in Olympic mode and we still think the city should welcome the Olympics, but now is not the time."

New Zealand Ponders Commonwealth Bid

Could New Zealand bid for a future Commonwealth Games? The country’s prime minister says maybe.

John Key said the country would reconsider a bid following the success of the ongoing Rugby World Cup.

Sports minister Murray McCully clarified Key's sentiments on Wednesday.

"We're not bidding yet – his point was that we're doing a marvelous job hosting the World Cup and we're showing the world we can host these very large events," McCullytold Kiwi radio.

He added: "It's early days, but there are always options ... who knows what will come next?"

New Zealand originally balked at the price tag of the CWG and declined to bid for future events.

The 2018 Commonwealth Games host will be decided Nov. 11 between Hambantota, Sri Lanka and Gold Coast, Australia.

Ng Touts Singapore

IOC vice president Ser Miang Ng is promoting Singapore's ability to host international sporting events.

He said after receiving the Medal of the Order of the Eagle Exemplar from the United States Sports Academy that he would work hard to secure events.

"I think there is a possibility, although many other countries will be fighting to host these events.

"I won't say we will get priority but we have a good reputation and have many friends around the world, and we will deliver."

Ng received the award for successfully organizing the 2010 Youth Olympic Games in Singapore.

Written by Ed Hula.