Madrid, 15 May 2009 - The city of Madrid will celebrate sport for everyone at the end of the month as 10,000 citizens of all backgrounds and sporting ability prepare to race the second annual Popular Liberty Seguros Race. The race will see non disabled athletes and enthusiasts take part alongside those who have a disability.
Organisers of the race have joined forces with Madrid 2016 bid CEO Mercedes Coghen, President of the Spanish Paralympic Committee Miguel Carballeda and the Mayor of Madrid Alberto Ruiz-Gallardón in order to raise awareness of Madrid's dedication to achieve social integration through sport.
Over 10,000 people are expected to sign-up to take part in the race taking place on 31st May, double the number of participants of last year's event. The day will be a celebration of the spirit of sport which has the ability to bring everyone together. New for 2009, five competition races will be held for children between the ages of 4 and 13 years old. On hand to show their support for the initiative will be two of Spain's gold medal winning athletes Chema Martinez and Paralympic Gold Medal winner for swimming, Ehamed Mohamed.
Speaking about this year's event, Mayor of Madrid Alberto Ruiz-Gallardón said, "The level of participation of the people of Madrid in this year's race goes to show this city's enthusiasm for sport. This event is a very important step in showing the social and physical barriers of sport are disappearing in Madrid as we bid to host the Olympics and Paralympics in 2016."
Mercedes Coghen said, "We say that Madrid 2106 will be the Games With The Human Touch and by that we mean a games for everyone of every background and ability. This race represents us actually living that dream."
Members of the IOC Evaluation Commission visited Madrid last week to evaluate Madrid's bid to host the 2016 Games.
Mr Ruiz-Gallardón added: Madrid's dedication to bringing people together through sport is at the heart of our bid to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games here in 2016 and this event is set to show how this is already a reality in the City of Madrid.
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