Madrid, Chicago, Promote 2016 Bids

A press release says Mercedes Coghen, CEO of Madrid 2016, is at the international forum sharing Madrid's vision of hosting the 2016 "Games with the Human Touch" and the initiatives already in place to unite people of all ages and social backgrounds through sport.

Speaking at the forum Coghen said, "it is inspiring to meet people from around the world who share Madrid's goal of uniting people through sport and creating a lasting legacy for peace and tolerance. Madrid has vast experience of hosting sporting events on every level and we aim to share this knowledge today".

Meanwhile Chicago 2016 announced Wednesday that Olympians Bart Conner, Nadia Comaneci, and Paralympian April Holmes have been named athlete ambassadors to the bid.

Patrick G. Ryan, Chairman and CEO of Chicago 2016 said, "Bart, Nadia and April reached the pinnacle of their sports at the Olympic and Paralympic Games. We have involved athletes at every level of our bid process. I can think of no better way to further engage them than to have three outstanding ambassadors of sport represent Chicago 2016 in our efforts".

Conner, a Chicago-area native, will lead the domestic effort on behalf of the bid to put more athletes to work in their own communities in celebration of the Olympic Movement, said a press release, while Comaneci will focus on the international outreach plan.

Holmes, who lost part of her left leg in a train accident in 2001 and went on to win gold seven years later, will guide Paralympian recruitment.