(ATR) 2024 bid cities Los Angeles, Rome, Paris and Budapest celebrate 100 days until the Rio Games.
The three European bids hosted events to mark the day in collaboration with their National Olympic Committees. In New York, the fourth 2024 contender, Los Angeles, was side-by-side with the United States Olympic Committee at countdown events and sport demonstrations in Times Square.
Italy Names Rio Flag-bearer
The Italian Olympic Committee held a ceremony at Rome’s Honor Hall where Olympic swimming champion Federica Pellegrini was announced as the flag bearer for Italy at the opening ceremony for Rio 2016.
CONI president Giovanni Malago revealed the choice, made earlier in the day by the NOC executive board.
"What I would lead to Rio driving this Italian team is the desire to fight, to never give up no matter what," Pellegrini said. "I hope that Italians watching us from home feel a little 'more Italian’ seeing us compete whatever the result, and say that sport is really the winner."
Regarding the Rome 2024 bid, the 27-year-old freestyle swimmer and world record holder said: "I’m not sure how long my career in sports will last, but Roma 2024 is a bit 'too far for be able to participate as an athlete. With this nomination, I hope it is possible to bring the Olympic Games to Italy, and for me to serve in a future role as a testimonial."
The ceremony – which was broadcast live on Italy’s RAI and Sky – was attended by Rome 2024 director general Diana Blanchedi, general secretary Roberto Fabbricini, Rio Chef de Mission Carlo Mornati and IOC member Mario Pescante. Olympians present included sailing gold medalist Alessandra Sensini, CONI executive board members Fiona May and Valentina Turasini and cross-country ski legend Manuela Di Centa.
Rome 2024 also announced a partnership with the Sails Military Forces and the tall ship Amerigo Vespucci. In 1960 the ship carried the Olympic flame from Piraeus, Greece to Italy for the Rome Olympics.
Paris Unveiling of Rio Team Uniform
The French National Olympic Committee along with Paris 2024 hosted a 100 day event at the Palais de Chaillot across from the Eiffel Tower and Seine. Involving top athletes and key members of the French sports movement, the celebration took place early Wednesday evening.
"Our athletes inspire us every day and we applaud their dedication to sport and their commitment to act as role models for the whole of France," said French NOC president Denis Masseglia.
Regarding the Paris bid for 2024, Masseglia said: "We hope that in 2024, we are able to celebrate a home games for French athletes while welcoming athletes from all over the world for a wonderful festival of sport."
The French team kit for Rio 2016 was unveiled by NOC partner Lacoste.
Participating in the festivities along with Masseglia are Paris 2024 co-bid leaders Tony Estanguet and Bernard Lapasset, secretary of state for sport Thierry Braillard, minister for youth and sports Patrick Kanner and IOC member Guy Drut.
Athlete representatives include pole vault world record holder Renaud Lavillenie, judo champion Teddy Riner, taekwondo medalist Glawdys Epangue and cycling/mountain biking world champion Pauline Ferrand-Prevot.
"Athletes are the heartbeat of the Olympic and Paralympic Games and this is why we have placed them at the center of the Paris 2024 bid with clearly defined, decision making roles," Estanguet said. "Our ambition is to deliver a Games in 2024 for the athletes, by the athletes."
Budapest Sets its Own Course
The Hungarian Olympic Committee and Budapest 2024 are illuminating the city’s iconic Chain Bridge in the green and yellow of the Brazilian flag in celebration of the 100-days to go mark.
"We are trying to be different from what the other bid cities are doing," said Budapest 2024 communications director Ivan Rosza. "Our mission is to bring back the Olympics to engage the city and connect the generations."
Offering slightly toned-down festivities considering Budapest 2024’s recent logo launch parties and the Hungarian NOC’s 120-year anniversary celebrations, three press conferences are on the docket in the capital city on Wednesday.
Hungary’s leading bank and Hungarian Olympic Committee sponsor OTP Bank began the day with a news conference with athletes training Margaret Island. OTP presented its interactive Olympic fan application and campaign supporting Hungarian athletes.
Hungarian NOC president Zsolt Borkaj conducted the second press conference at noon revealing details about Hungary’s Olympic quotas and preparations for the Rio Games. Brazil’s Hungarian ambassador also addressed media
The Hungarian Olympic Committee next unveiled the Hungarian National Bank commemorative medallions honoring Olympians headed to Rio.
The final press conference was held by Proctor and Gamble, where the worldwide Olympic sponsor presented details of the 2016 iteration of its Thank You Mom Olympic campaign.
Budapest 2024 bid leader Balázs Fürjes missed the events, but his absence is excused. He is on a honeymoon after getting married last week.
Written by Brian Pinelli
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