Olympic Newsdesk - Madrid Ponders New Bid, Golf Position Open, Canoe Recruits Women

Madrid Ponders 2020 or 2024 Olympics

Madrid is hoping the third time is charm for its aspirations to host the Summer Olympics.

Madrid Mayor Alberto Ruiz Gallardon told a television station that he still wants the Spanish capital to host the Games after falling short in bids for the 2012 and 2016 Olympics. Gallardon did not specify whether Madrid would bid for the 2020 or 2024 Games. He added that the launch of a formal application would take place in July 2011 after municipal elections.

"Madrid will be an Olympic city," said Gallardon on TVE on Tuesday. "But we should not talk about presenting the city for a third and a fourth time. We have to have a third possibility and ensure that it is definitive."

Gallardon added that would examine many factors before presenting a bid including looking at other bidding cities and the results of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

If the 2010 World Cup runs smoothly, South Africa could be an overwhelming favorite to host the 2020 Olympics. The continent has never hosted the Games and South Africa could argue that it is the continent's turn to host. Rio de Janeiro used geography as case during its successful bid for the 2016 Olympics.

Golf Gearing Up for Rio

The International Golf Federation is seeking a fulltime executive director to manage day-to-day operations from a new office Lausanne.

IGF is seeking a full-time director to oversee preparations for its first Olympic appearance in 2016. The position will be based in Lausanne in order to facilitate communication between the IGF and the IOC.

Golf, along with rugby became an Olympic sport during the 121 st IOC Session in Coppenhagen last October. Preliminary Olympic plans call for men and women to each participate in separate 72-hole tournaments with any ties for medals determined via playoff. Final details of the competition will be sorted out over the next couple of years.

Joint secretary of the IGF Peter Dawson and acting IGF executive director Ty Votaw are leading the search for the executive director.

“As the workload intensifies in preparation for the 2016 Olympic Games, it is paramount that we have a full time executive director in place who can handle and co-ordinate every detail or issue that arises,” Votaw said.

The executive director is responsible for many matters including relations with IOC, Rio 2016, national golf federations, National Olympic Committees, WADA and sponsors. The director will also assist in selecting an Olympic golf venue in Rio.

Bundesliga Pushing Munich 2018

Thetop football league in Germany will promote the Munich bid for the 2018 Winter Games

The Bundesliga will support Munich 2018by promoting the bid through league-owned media platforms including internet and stadium magazines. In addition, the league will also help produce Munich 2018 TV clips that will air during games.

The partnership became official during a Tuesday ceremony in Vancouver where Munich is promoting its bid to IOC members.

"A co-operation with the Bundesliga proves that football, including the German Football Association, is supporting the Olympic bid," said Thomas Bach, president of German Olympic Sports Confederation. "Millions are fascinated by football every week. This excitement will also help Munich's candidacy to host the Olympic Games. We acquired a strong partner, who will provide us with great support"

Lake Placid, Vancouver Olympic Sister Cities

Vancouver, Whistler and Lake Placid are official Olympic Sister Cities after signing a protocol of friendship agreement.

Lake Placid Mayor Craig Randall made the trip to Vancouver last week to sign the agreement with Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson and Whistler Mayor Ken Melamed. The Protocol of Friendship serves to promote the Olympic Movement, friendship and international goodwill.

Previously, Lake Placid has signed Protocols of Friendship with the Winter Olympic Cities of Calgary, Albertville, Lillehammer, Salt Lake City, and Turin.

Lake Placid hosted the 1980 and 1932 Winter Games. Area facilities host national and international events including figures skating and sliding.

“The Olympic Winter Games continue to provide us with the opportunity to further strengthen Lake Placid’s presence in the international sports marketplace,” said Ted Blazer, the CEO of the Lake Placid Olympic Regional Development Authority. “The circuit that now includes Park City, Calgary, Vancouver, Whistler and Lake Placid allows us to work together to promote and solicit world cup sporting events at North American venues.”

Canoe Federation Wants More Women

The International Canoe Federation is launching a program in 2010 to attract more women in hopes of forming a new discipline.

ICF will host training camps around the world to attract more women in order to form a women's canoe category. This strategy follows the implementation of women’s canoe sprint and canoe slalom disciplines at world championships and the world cup programs.

The first training camp will take place in Vichy, France on April 26.

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Written by Sam Steinberg.