Strong Statements for Baku Olympic Bid; Post-Games Tenants for 2012 Sites

Baku Well-Positioned for 2020 Bid

The head of Baku’s 2020 Olympic bid says the capital of Azerbaijan is ready to stage the Games.

According to a report in Azeri media, Yaqub Eyyubov told the bid board Tuesday that the city has met many of the IOC’s concerns since its failed 2016 campaign.

"Much has been done in this field over the past period," he said.

"The foundation of an Olympic stadium for 60,000 spectators has been laid, a number of Olympic complexes have been built and a new swimming facility is planned to be constructed. Wide-ranging work has been done in the field of infrastructure – new roads, overpasses and hotels have been launched."

Also Tuesday, China’s Xinhua news agency reported that Azeri sports minister Azad Rahimov predicted Istanbul to be Baku’s chief rival and that the other bids simply won't be able to compete.

"Rome and Madrid are plagued with economic crisis, Tokyo has suffered from the earthquake and tsunami, while blistering summer heat in the Gulf is unfavorable for Doha," Xinhua paraphrased Rahimov’s comments.

Tenants Sought for MPC/IBC

The London Assembly’s Olympics chief says the Main Press Center and International Broadcast Centerwill anchor a high-tech hub in legacy mode.

"The 2012 Press and Broadcast Centers have huge potential to bring skilled jobs to the Olympic Park after the Games and getting the right tenants is going to be crucial," said Dee Doocey, chair of the Economy, Culture and Sport Committee.

"Pursuing options such as a ‘creative hub’ of media organizations and small start-ups would be one way to build a skills and employment legacy at the site. But other industries, which couldoffer equal numbers of skilled jobs, should not be ruled out."

Doocey was speaking a day after the Olympic Park Legacy Company opened up bidding for the roughlyone million square feet of flexible business space surrounded by the 2012 sports venues and parkland.

The centers are located near five major universities, a likely source for skilled labor.

Ashortlist of potential companies will be determined by the OPLC in February.

Brazil Qualify for 2012 Games

The Brazilian women’s basketball team is headed to the 2012 Olympics.

On Saturday, the squad crushed Argentina 74-33 in the FIBA Americas Championship for Women.

Brazil's basketball great Hortencia Marcari told FIBA: "I am quite happy because now, we can make a better plan for the Olympics.

"All the effort and unity of the players was worth it. The team was ready to be champions."

Angola also recently qualified for the Games, meaning seven teams are now guaranteed spots in London next year. The others are Australia, China, Great Britain Russia and the United States, who sat out FIBA Americas.

Five spots remain for London. They are up for grabs at the 12-team FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament for Women, scheduled for June 25 until July 1.

Written by Ann Cantrell.

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