One Year To Go – And Madrid 2016 Is “Ready To Go”
2 October 2008 - With exactly one year to go before the International Olympic Committee (IOC) decision on which city
will host the 2016 Olympics and Paralympic Games, the CEO of the Madrid 2016 bid says the Spanish capital would be a
“safe” choice because the city is so well prepared.
Mercedes Coghen said: “We have come a long way on the road to bringing the Olympic and Paralympic Games to Madrid in
2016 but the journey is only just beginning.
“Four great cities are all determined to win so we must not waste a single day.
“We are not daunted that the time is passing by so quickly because we know we are ready.
“We have prepared well. It is like being an athlete preparing to compete, if you do all the right work in advance then
there is nothing to fear as the big day approaches.
“I have had the privilege of winning a gold medal and understand the sheer determination and drive that success at the
highest level demands. It also requires a great deal of hard work“, she said.
The Madrid 2016 Bid team has done the “hard yards” to ensure that the technical bid is strong and Mercedes Coghen was
delighted that the IOC evaluation report published at Sport Accord in Athens was so positive for Madrid.
She explained: “We will continue striving to improve every detail of our bid. Our preparation and planning of venues,
our infrastructure, transport and all the tangible criteria that are vital to the success of the Games are well
advanced. The infrastructure is ready and 70% of the other work required is in place.
“The huge support of the Spanish Government, the Mayor and the people of Madrid has made us a very “safe” and reliable
choice for a host city which is ready to deliver in 2016.”
The Madrid 2016 team will today present plaques to 26 new sponsors for the bid demonstrating the level of support from
the business world.
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