On the Scene: Madrid 2016 in Abuja

Dona Pilar de Borbon, sister of King Juan Carlos, and Madrid 2016 bid chief Mercedes Coghen are presenting Madrid's case in Abuja. (ATR/Panasonic:Lumix)(ATR) Madrid 2016 promised to build on Spain's record of aid to Africa in a presentation at the general assembly of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa.

Mayor Alberto Ruiz-Gallardón reminded delegates in Abuja, Nigeria, that Spain has increased its international aid by tenfold to Western Africa. He also reiterated the Spanish government's promise to help Africa in its relations with Europe. Spain will be the next president of the European Union.

It is Madrid's wish to be "a bridge to unite Africa and Europe, as we have always been throughout our history," Gallardon said.

Alejandro Blanco, president of the Spanish Olympic Committee, offered the use of the Centre for High Performance to the members of the African Committees.

"Many of your athletes are already using our venues," he said. "I truly believe that Spain, through its climate and atmosphere, is the best option for competing, training, and having fun."

HRH Doña Pilar de Borbón, sister of King Juan Carlos, introduced Madrid's bid. The Spanish capital presented last among the four bid cities and its presentation was 18:09, just over the prescribed time of 15 minutes, plus a minute or two extra.

"Presenting our Olympic and Paralympic project is far more than a celebration," she said. "It is enjoying the greatest sporting achievement on the planet. For Madrid, for Spain, the opportunity to celebrate an Olympic Games is a passport to a better world - more sympathetic, more human, more close."

Spanish IOC member Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr. described Madrid's hospitable character and popular support for the bid from 93 percent of citizens.

Bid chief Mercedes Coghen promised the delegates something they could really appreciate.

"The presidents and general secretaries will each have a vehicle," she told Around the Rings. "That's important to them, the small NOCs sometimes only have one for both."

She also said Madrid will provide fast and free visas for entry "not only for the Games, but before the Games when athletes want to perform at our high performance centers.

We're going to put them at their disposal."

Although Madrid cut one of its videos because the presentation was running long, it concluded with the "Madrid 2017" film that shows people telling how the Games changed them.

The video has been a staple of Madrid's bid, but was probably making its last appearance to an IOC or NOC gathering.

"I think this is an emotional and nice video," Coghen said. "I think it is very clear what we want with our Games, not only for people in Madrid, but also for all people around the world, something that will change their life when they come to the Madrid Games. That's why I think it's important to show it all around the world to everyone."

Written by

Karen Rosen

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