Rome Bid Immune from Financial Crisis; Domestic Bid Promotion; Berlin 2020?

Debt Crisis Impact on Bid

Mario Pescante, the head of Rome 2020 says the potential financial crisis won’t impact the bid, and that a 2020 Olympics could help the Italian economy.

"The matter has now been solved, we're no longer talking about default, the country stands united and it is something more linked to political aspects than economic ones," Pescante told Around the Rings on Wednesday.

"The Olympic Games are important as they bring along growth and increased productivity, in terms of investments, employment and GDP."

Mounting debt pushed Italy on the brink of default this week.

While other euro zone countries, such as Greece and Ireland were deemed too big to fail, Italy, Europe’s third largest economy is too big to bailout, some experts say.

Multi-Million Dollar Backing

The city of Rome earmarked more than $4 million in support of the 2020 bid. The money will be spent over the next three years.

Gianni Alemanno, the city’s mayor, made the announcement Tuesday.

The city has also pledged an additional planned investment of $9.8 million for the maintenance of existing sport venues.

The Rome 2020 bid committee is now actively promoting the bid in Italy, just days after the IOC awarded the 2018 Games to PyeongChang. Officials speculate the IOC’s decision could be a boost for European candidates vying to host the 2020 Games.

"At this point, it could be a logical step to go back to Europe in 2020. And in Europe, Rome is a strong contender," IOC member Franco Carraro was quoted by Italian media. Officials from CONI, the Italian Olympic Committee, also recommend renewed efforts to bring Rome’s candidacy forward.

"This vote has confirmed that, in order to win, it is necessary to do a high-profile and very professional work," CONI’s Secretary General Raffaele Pagnozzi said, according to reports. Rome, which hosted the 1960 Olympics, lost to Athens in bidding for the 2004 Games.

The IOC vote for a 2020 host will take place at the 2013 IOC Session. Bids from South Africa, the Middle East, Japan and Europe are also expected.

Berlin 2020

Berlin's mayor says he wants the city to bid for the 2020 Olympics.

Klaus Wowereit toldDer Tagesspiegel newspaper: "Berlin is ready for the Olympic games. Berlin has all the requirements: The stadiums, infrastructure, hotel industry, the enthusiasm of people toward sports."

However, two obstacles remain for the bid. German port city Hamburg has reportedly expressed interest in bidding, and the DOSB, Germany's Olympic committee has not. Munich's bid for the 2018 Olympics was the top priority for the DOSB and National Olympic Committees have until Sept. 1 to nominate bid cities.

"When one comes to the verdict that Hamburg has the best chance, then Berlin will obviously support Hamburg. I am, however, firmly convinced that Germany could only have a real chance with Berlin" he was quoted.

Berlin staged the 1936 Olympics and more recently, staged matches of the 2006 World Cup, 2011 World Cup, and served as host city of the 2009 athletics world championships, showing the city is capable of staging large scale sporting events. Berlin also bid for the 2000 Olympics.

Written by Ed Hula IIIand Marta Falconi.