Madrid Woos IOC With King, Prime Minister, Samaranch

(ATR) Juan Antonio Samaranch Sr., the IOC honorary president, urges IOC members to award the 2016 Games to Madrid in an emotional plea that wrapped up the pitches from the four 2016 bid cities onFriday.

“I know that I am very near the end of my time. As you know I am 89 years old. May I ask you to consider granting my country the honor and also the duty to organize the Games in 2016,” he said.

Samaranch was not the only star turn in Madrid’s presentation, which gathered momentum and ended with a flourish.

“Spain is a country that is passionate about sport thanks to the excellent results of our athletes. The King symbolizes the commitment of all Spain to the values of the Olympic ideals,” he added.

But it was King Juan Carlos who produced what could be a game-changing performance for Madrid, who ranked behind Chicago and Rio de Janeiro going into today’s final presentations to the IOC.

Described by Samaranch as a keen sportsman, the King gave a fiercly emotional plea to IOC members.

“We believe in Madrid 2016. For us this is a very exciting project and we firmly believe that we can and know how to bring it together.”

He said the bid was backed by all levels of government and enjoyed support from the entire population.

“A vote for Madrid is a vote that will foster Olympic values throughout the world. A vote that through sport will bring into our lives more solidarity, understanding and friendship,” he told members.

“A vote for Madrid is a vote for the total success of these Olympic and Paralympic Games. I am convinced the world will be a better place to live following 2016 in Madrid. Don’t doubt that the Olympics will have changed lives forever.”

Queen Sophia was also in attendance at the presentation. Spain’s Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero made a plea to IOC members to embrace a reliable bid for the 2016 Games based on lessons learnt from previous Olympic campaigns.

“This is a sure candidacy because Spain has shown it can brilliantly organize sport and cultural events,” said Zapatero, who started his speech by wishing London and Sochi successful Olympics in 2012 and 2014.

“It is reliable and united with feelings of the population and it has shown it can learn and improve. We know how to listen. We have listened to everything the Evaluation Commission and IOC have said.”

Madrid’s pitch was a mix of English and Spanish, with presentations interspersed with six videos variously explaining the Olympic bid concept including venue, transport and accommodation plans and showcasing the city’s passion for sport..

Juan Antonio Samaranch Jnr kicked off proceedings introducing his father, who got a round of applause from members, and other speakers who included Madrid Mayor Alberto Ruiz-Gallardón, bid CEO Mercedes Coghen, president of the Spanish Olympic Committee Alexandro Blanco, Olympians and Paralympians.

Coghen’s daughter Monica Figar, who had a speaking role in the IOC Evaluation Commission’s inspection visit in May, also appeared on stage alongside footballer Raul, captain of La Liga giants Real Madrid, and a Paralympian.

Blanco talked up Madrid’s athlete-friendly Games plan and the catalyst for change if Madrid won the Games. He spoke of increased accessibility to sports facilities and plans to construct a sustainable Olympic Village.

Raul made a short speech, concluding with, “I believe, we believe”, a phrase restated by the other two athletes with speaking roles.

Coghen and Samaranch Jnr spoke of the city’s readiness to stage an inspirational Games, the IOC member for Spain speaking of the “certainty” of the Olympic plans based on a “great technical bid”.

“But the main feature is the human touch. We have been communicating for over three years this message,” he said. “Join this quest so we can spread the magic.”

Coghen said that Madrid’s Olympic plans “will enhance the Olympic Movement before, during and well beyond the Games."

The Mayor said that Madrid had learnt from its three previous attempts at winning the Olympics.

Esperanza Aguirre, president of the regional government of Madrid, said: “Madrid has the capacity and the determination to achieve success.” She highlighted the “excellent venues, good transportation, security and hotels”, adding that sustainability was an important part of the project.

“Our offer goes well beyond your expectations,” she concluded.

Speaking at Madrid's post-presentation news conference, Zapatero expressed satisfaction with the city's "sincere" presentation. "We were able to transmit in the best possible way Spain, Madrid and what sport means to the Spanish. We showed the excitement to hopefully be able to host the Olympic Games."

Spanish sports minister Jaime Lissavetzky described the bid team's contributions as "fantastic", singling out Samaranch Snr for special praise.

"I think the Olympic bid presentation has caused a big impression," Blanco said.

With reporting from Mark Bisson