Rome Chamber of Commerce Backs 2024 Bid

(ATR) The Rome bid for the 2024 Olympics now has the support of the city’s Chamber of Commerce.

Rome 2024 bid leader Luca di Montezemolo met with Rome Chamber of Commerce president Lorenzo Tagliavanti on Tuesday to drum up support from the city’s business sector.

"We need everyone’s support, starting from the companies of the capital, to share initiatives that can improve the city starting from now," says Montezemolo.

The Rome Chamber of Commerce represents 474,000 companies. Although all of these companies are not likely to lend a hand to the Olympic effort, garnering the support of a few powerhouses could bolster the bid’s efforts.

"We represent the business community of the city with the largest number of companies in Europe and the Games can be a great opportunity for us," said Tagliavanti. "We'll be part of the team."

Rome is seeking to host the Olympics for the first time since 1960. Montezemolo says those Games left a legacy that has benefited the city for the past 55 years.

"The 1960 Games are an example of how many infrastructural works built for that event are important elements for the city today," says Montezemolo. "This event is a challenge that can help Rome."

"We must try to make our contribution so that Rome will become a city where sport is a daily asset," says Tagliavanti.

Rome is competing with Budapest, Los Angeles and Paris to stage the Games in 2024. The IOC will select the host city in September 2017.

Written by Kevin Nutley

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