Rome 2020 Decision; Romney Returns to Salt Lake City

Feb. Decision for Rome 2020

The Italian government will decide by mid-February whether to back the bid from Rome for the 2020 Olympics, says Prime Minister Mario Monte.

Rome – and the other five cities applying for the 2020 Games – must submit their initial files to the IOC by Feb. 15. Baku, Doha, Istanbul, Madrid and Tokyo are the other bidders.

Monti took office last month, faced with rescuing the Italian economy from its debt crisis, with austerity measures that could impact on a bid for the Games.

"We are considering very carefully the issue on the basis of extensive studies that have been provided by the organizing committee," said Monti on Friday at the end of a Council of Ministers meeting in Milan.

Word this week that Monti may ask that the bid be postponed until 2024 has bid leaders and business interests urging Monti to go for 2020. They argue that the odds for Rome are better for 2020 than four years later when the U.S. and South Africa may bid.

"Don't throw in the towel before even starting the game," said bid chair and IOC member Mario Pescante after Monti’s press conference.

"President Monti, hold our flag up high," said Pescante.

Romney Visit Ahead for Salt Lake Anniversary

U.S. presidential hopeful and former Salt Lake Olympics chief Mitt Romney will make an appearance at next month’s 10th anniversary of the Games.

A press release from the anniversary organizing committee says Romney will be part of "A Tribute to Salt Lake 2002 featuring Stars On Ice" on Feb. 18.

"The greatness of achievement is measured in the fire and passion of dreamers," Romney said. "The 2002 Olympic Games taught us that our aspirations can become reality. The 3,500 athletes and more than 50,000 members of Team 2002 dared to make their dreams real. I salute the people of Salt Lake City that made these Olympic Winter Games the best in history."

The statement does contain "what could be considered a campaign-style exaggeration," writes NPR’s Howard Berkes.

The release from the anniversary organizing committee reads: "Early on, the Salt Lake 2002 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games faced several challenges including an uncertain financial outlook and the prospect of being cancelled following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

"By the end of the competition, critics praised the event as one of the most successful Winter Olympic Games ever held," adds the release.

"There's no question the Salt Lake Olympics were struggling financially in the wake of the bribery scandal involving the city's bid for the games," Berkes writes. "Romney was brought in as the new CEO of the Olympic Organizing Committee and immediately instituted tough budget discipline.

"But it's a stretch to say there was any serious consideration given to canceling the Olympics."

The anniversary starts Feb. 8 with a re-lighting of the 2002 Olympic cauldron.

Bishops Visit Olympic Park

London 2012 may have received some divine help this week as bishops from three Catholic dioceses in London and other Catholic leaders visited Olympic Park.

Archbishop Vincent Nichols and Bishop John Arnold of Westminster, Bishops Pat Lynch and Paul Hendricks of Southwark, Bishop Thomas McMahon of Brentwood and Bishop Richard Moth of the Forces headed the delegation.

"The Olympic and Paralympic Games are a moment of great opportunity for us all," Archbishop Nichols said in a statement.

"The example of many who are dedicated to training routines in preparation for these Games remind us of the need for good habits and routines in our own daily lives if we are to make the most of our God-given talents."

Christian churches in London have united for a charity, More than Gold, that strives to "engage with the Games" and faith leaders have taken a keen interest in the regeneration project of East London stemming from the Games.

Rio 2016 Briefs …

… Brazilian president Dilma Rousseff is considering importing technical experts in the world of sport to boost Brazilian athletes. The decision was proposed by the country’s sports minister Aldo Rebelo, who said teams could benefit from trainers, nutritionists, sport psychologists and other experts from around the world.

… Rousseff also held a series of meetings this week with all the ministries involved with work relating to the 2016 Olympics and 2014 World Cup.

… On Wednesday three buildings collapsed in Rio de Janeiro, killing five people and leaving another 16 missing, according to an AFP report. Rio mayor Eduardo Paes said "structural problems" were to blame. Reports said the loss of life could have been in the thousands had the collapse happened during business hours.

… Embratur, Brazil’s tourism promotion agency, announced a proposal to build a replica of the iconic Christo Redentor, or Christ the Redeemer, at the London Olympics. The proposed replica statue in London’s Primrose Hill is currently "under review" by British authorities, according to a report in Brazil’s Terra news portal.

Media Watch

With six months until the Games, Londoners are both nervous and excited about the Olympics.

The Guardian offers its recap of the week’s best Olympic articles on the internet.

German news magazine Der Spiegel has a report that the famed friendship between Jesse Owens and Luz Long at the 1936 Olympics may not have been genuine.

Residents of Weymouth and Portland see the Olympic sailing tournament as "a mixed blessing" according to a report in The Guardian.

Written by Ed Hula III.

20 Years at #1: