Madrid 2020: "Very satisfied" with the Evaluation Commission Report

Madrid - The Heads of the Madrid Bid to host the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games are "very satisfied" with the Evaluation Commission Report of the International Olympic Committee released earlier today.

The report points out Madrid’s "high performance in meeting requirements, guarantees, roles and responsibilities", as well as the city’s "substantial improvement" in its Olympic project. The analysis also highlights the Bid’s high level of popular support, and the high level of cooperation and support among the three Government levels – local, regional and national.

The IOC report notes that Madrid 2020 "is a Bid that does not face financial risks", and has a budget "the Commission considers reasonable". The compact nature of the Madrid Olympic project and the importance of already-built infrastructures make clear that "the remaining investment is perfectly manageable". The report goes on to note "the use of existing venues and the completion of those under construction would reinforce the strong sporting foundations Madrid already offers to its elite athletes and inhabitants."

Madrid’s excellent transport system and plan is another point positively assessed in the report. "Bearing in mind the existing robust transport system of Madrid, and the compact nature of the city’s project to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Commission believes Madrid is ready to provide a good transportation service to the different client groups, guaranteeing short transit times", the report explains.

The IOC also notes that "Madrid’s history, diverse culture, love of sport and celebration, its popularity as a tourist destination, and the concentration of activities within the city should ensure a vibrant festival during the Games."

Alejandro Blanco, President of the Bid, described the report as "truly impressive, while he stated "today is a day of great satisfaction but also of great responsibility". He also added, "We have not won anything yet and there is still much work to do. But the report recognizes the absolute feasibility of our project and that we are ready".

The IOC analysis explains that Madrid has already built 80% of the infrastructure required, and that is not necessary to invest in major works for the Games.

Mr. Blanco added, "The report shows that Madrid 2020 is not a bid of dreams or of promises – Madrid has been preparing for the Games for years. Now the Olympic Movement can focus on sport." The IOC noted, "Madrid presents a very compact project. All venues located in Madrid would be within a 10 km radius of the city center. Athletes would be able to reach all competition and training venues within approximately 20-25 minutes."

For her part, Ana Botella, Mayor of Madrid, welcomed the report, "Madrid is the ideal sized city with ideal amenities for the Games, it is an easy place to live in and to visit – eight million visitors a year can’t be wrong." She added, " The Bid is progressing with a sure and firm step, and we are pleased that our hard work has been positively regarded by the Commission. We will continue working as a team, as we have done up to now". She also thanked the citizens of Madrid and Spain for their "constant and permanent" support.

For additional information please contact:

Sandra Serrano

International Media Department

Madrid 2020

Tel: +34 91 1922020

Mobile: +34 648041227

aserrano@madrid2020.es

www.madrid2020.es

www.facebook.com/madrid2020

@Madrid2020ES

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