2020 Olympics "Makes Sense" for Madrid

(ATR) In its third straight bid, Madrid tells the IOC that the 2020 Olympics "makes sense, now more than ever."

Crown Prince Felipe, who charmed the IOC membership in Lausanne in July, said Madrid’s Olympic and Paralympic plan is "both affordable and a responsible model for the future."

Concerns about the financial crisis in Spain were addressed head-on, with reassurances given.

"Madrid can host the games in 2020 without any risk whatsoever to the Olympic Movement," said Spanish prime minister Mariano Rajoy. "Perhaps you expected me to say this, but numbers don’t lie."

He then cited economic statistics. "We’re on the road to recovery," Rajoy said.

The prince, who was the bid’s final presenter, said some people wonder why Madrid is bidding for the third time and "question the costs of hosting events as large as the Games in times of economic uncertainty. Frankly, I don’t see this as a threat to the Olympics. I see this as an opportunity."

Juan Antonio Samaranch, Jr. invoked the memory of his father, the former IOC president, by saying the Olympic Movement pursues the ideal of "bringing people together in peace, irrespective of race, religion, and political convictions for the benefit of mankind."

"As the Games have grown in size and scope, it is evident that seven years is not a lot of time to prepare," the junior Samaranch said. "Madrid 2020 is not a bid of promises because we've already kept them. It’s not a bid of dreams because we've already built them."

Madrid says that 80 percent of its investment has been made, but has yet to finish the aquatics venue and the athletics stadium.

Although the IOC was able to see all of Madrid’s presentation, the feed to the main press center and to the world via the IOC website was lost for about 10 minutes because of a heavy rainstorm in Buenos Aires.

During the blackout, basketball player Pau Gasol spoke of his experiences and said that he hoped to have children someday and that they would experience what he did during the 1992 Barcelona Games.

Madrid mayor Ana Botella, who dressed in eye-catching red as she has for much of this week, played the charm card, emphasizing the "amazing mixture of tradition ... People can see, feel, and taste the wonder of Spanish culture."

"Madrid is fun," she said and the Olympics would be "a celebration of sport and life" in the Spanish capital.

Bid president Alejandro Blanco’s speech was short but to the point. In his capacity as head of the Spanish NOC, he spoke about the bid’s primary focus on athletes and sport, referencing how the bid had worked closely with the federations over many years.

"We have left nothing to chance. Madrid makes sense for everyone. Thanks for your advice and your support," he said.

Doping issues that have dogged the bid in the fallout from Operation Puerto and its blood doping scandal continue to linger.

The first question after the bid presentation came from IOC member Gerhard Heiberg and questioned Spain’s poor track record in the fight against doping. The Norwegian even apologized for bringing up the issue but said he felt he had to do so.

"We have had a problem in the past and we have sharpened the law and prosecuted the athletes as well as those who have harmed the health of athletes," he responded, claiming the government had hardened sanctions.

"Please have no doubt that we are a reliable partner," he told delegates, getting back to the business of persuasion. "We believe in clean sport. We believe in athletes who want to reach their objectives. In that battle, you will always have Spain at your side."

One of Madrid’s films featured stars from the worlds of film and music: Placido Domingo, Antonio Banderas, and Alejandro Sanz.

Another imagined Madrid in 2020 and said that "Tonight in Madrid, the Plaza de Espana will become World Square."

Prince Felipe, who competed in sailing at the 1992 Olympic Games and lived in the Olympic Village, said he has seen Olympism at work.

"I know it can deliver that bright future for all young people," he said, "so there is a reason we have spent 10 years transforming our city for the Games, a reason why we are here asking for your confidence for the third time. It is our belief in Olympism."

Written by Karen Rosen and Mark Bisson.

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