Madrid 2020

[Frenchy]

Paris is the capitol of the world, not a single man dies without ever seeing Paris. For the Olympics to not go there is a crime on all cities.

<blush>

Why, thank you kind sir!

One of the main reasons the 2012 bid failed was due to the fact that Paris played it too safe.

Very true.

..they have learned their lesson.

Wise words......

[FYI]

I think you're jumping the gun a little too quickly there SR. As I said elsewhere there's little or no chance that Paris will be bidding for 2024 even if Tokyo does get the nod....again. The reasons are manifold and too numerous to list, mainly economics and political. Also the mood just isn't there any more....

Well, the same could be said about New York, too. But there's still some people that argue that we just don't know yet whether they will or they won't until they flat out say so. If that's the case, I think that same kind of logic can be applied to Paris, too.

Besides, hasn't some politician over there came out a little bit ago that he'd like to see the city bid. I think once the 2020 winner has been declared, some of these cities that we're talking about here will make their intentions more clear. But for now, all we can do is speculate.

[Amarillo]

http://masdeporte.as.com/masdeporte/2013/08/22/polideportivo/1377127878_803660.html

Madrid's candidacy is preparing a spectacular video which will be exhibited in Buenos Aires on September 7 with messages from the most illustrious sportsmen of Spain. The aim is to show that the great figures of sport support the project.

This week it was the turn of the football idols.

Iniesta was the first to lend his image, and was followed by Iker Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Raul (ex R.M player) and Cristiano Ronaldo.

After having almost closed the video with testimonials from leading athletes competing in Spain, the great obsession of Alejandro Blanco is convincing Messi to give his support to the bid. Sandro Rosell ( FCB president’s) has already accepted Blanco’s proposal .

[world atlas]

LGBT Sports Group Petitions IOC To Honor Human Rights, Award 2020 Olympics To Madrid

BY TRAVIS WALDRON ON AUGUST 21, 2013 AT 11:05 AM

Amid outcry about Russia’s new anti-gay law ahead of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, one LGBT rights group is petitioning the International Olympic Committee to choose a more LGBT-friendly host for the 2020 Summer Olympics. The IOC will decide September 7 where the 2020 Games will take place, and Athlete Ally, a nonprofit that urges allies of LGBT rights to combat homophobia in sports, is circulating a petition asking the IOC to “live the values of the Olympic Charter” by giving the Games to Madrid.

Athlete Ally prefers Madrid over Tokyo and Istanbul, the other two finalists, because Spain boasts some of the most robust LGBT protections in the world: it legalized same-sex marriage in 2005, allows gays to serve openly in the military and to adopt children, and has laws preventing discrimination in employment and hiring, customer service, and other areas. That’s a high standard that not even the United States can meet — and it makes Madrid the best choice for the 2020 Games, Athlete Ally says:

On September 7, the IOC will choose the host city for the 2020 Olympic Games. Of the three finalists, Tokyo, Madrid and Istanbul, Madrid shines above the rest for its LGBT inclusivity. And of the potential host countries, only Spain has full equality under the law.

We urge the members of the IOC casting their votes to select the city that clearly demonstrates that LGBT rights are human rights. With 10,000 signatures to this petition we will deliver a strong message to the IOC members: persecution of the LGBT community and the Olympics can never again co-exist. Choose Madrid!

Athlete Ally boasts nearly 11,000 members and has organizations on college campuses across the country. Both straight and gay professional athletes, including outspoken allies like NFL players Brendan Ayanbadejo and Chris Kluwe, have joined its movement, which has pushed for better protections for LGBT athletes and fans across the sports world. It is seeking 10,000 signatures for its petition to the IOC in an effort to make sure the voice of LGBT athletes and fans and their allies “is heard loud and clear.”

From cost to human rights to marketability, there are various concerns when it comes to choosing sites for mega sporting events like the Olympics or World Cup, but in recent years, the IOC and FIFA, international soccer’s governing body, have placed one above all others: they want to take their events to parts of the globe that either haven’t hosted before or haven’t in a long time, expanding their reach and influence and building their legacy of taking sports to different parts of the earth. The Olympics went to Sydney in 2000, back to Greece in 2004, and to China in 2008. The Winter Games are in Sochi, Russia in 2014; the Summer version heads to Rio de Janeiro in 2016. The World Cup went to Japan and Korea in 2002, to South Africa in 2010. It will take place in Brazil in 2014, Russia in 2018, and Qatar in 2022.

Taking sports to new corners of the world isn’t a bad idea in and of itself. An unintended result of that mission, though, has been that FIFA and the IOC have ignored other concerns about their events, including exorbitant costs and human rights. That has already had consequences in Brazil, where millions took the streets to protest excessive spending this summer, and in Russia, where a recently passed anti-gay law has drawn concern about how LGBT athletes, fans, and media will be treated during the Games.

Athlete Ally’s petition is the latest reminder to FIFA and the IOC that they needs to take more than new horizons into account when they choose where these events will take place. If FIFA and the IOC want to continue stretching their borders, they also have to be willing to uphold their missions and use their considerable influence to spark positive human rights changes in those countries — or at least ensure that LGBT fans and athletes will be safe while attending the events. If they aren’t willing to do that — and they haven’t been in Russia thus far — perhaps it’d be wise for them to take the concerns of LGBT fans and athletes into consideration and avoid those countries altogether. The number of LGBT athletes is only growing, and while they can’t be the only concern in determining where each Olympics or World Cup is held, LGBT rights and human rights in general at least deserve to be part of the equation.

Think Progress

[baron-pierreIV]

/\/\ But that's kinda stupid becuz what? Rio 2016 is NOT gay-friendly? This is just like the traitrix Bradley WoManning getting a 35-year sentence, then the very next day announces to the world that s/he wants to get hormone treatment AT THE EXPENSE OF THE TAXPAYERS WHOM S/HE just BETRAYED...all the while his/her attorney is submitting a request for a presidential pardon!! Hello??? Doesn't compute. Maybe President Obama can pardon the old Bradley Manning...but guess what?? The new Ms. Manning will still have to serve out the 35 YEARS!

[emre]

The pro-Madrid campaign in BA isn't being organised by city officials. No problem with it at all. If some people want to show their support for a certain bid, good for them.

The #ChooseMadrid campaign I'm not feeling though. Different countries progress at different speeds on things like this and at their own pace. The point of the anti-Sochi stance was to put pressure on Russia because it's going BACKWARDS on minority rights, which is obviously really worrying and worth making a noise about. But, whilst they're obviously a one-issue campaign group and have their own interests which they're entitled to shout about, I feel this is moving into the realms of meddling and trying to make their issue THE issue on which to choose an Olympic host. I wonder what Emre, as an openly gay Istanbul 2020 supporter, makes of it, for example.

its st cultural i think.

here 2013 gay pride in taksim.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hc4FrEQcBE

[mr.bernham]

Where the Olympics are placed should not matter on whether that nation is "progressive". By excluding cities from hosting because of that fact, we are destroying the idea of the Olympics being a "Global event". While Russia is backwards in some cases they are also a ironically religious society and that's the radical way they swing. In fact they banned US and UK parents from adopting Russian children because of our views on homosexuality and it's acceptance in society. Yet even then excluding Russia (who has only hosted a games once when things were far worse) makes the Olympics way too politically tied and tarnishes our beautiful rings. So I say let 2014 Sochi go on and host a beautiful games and gay athletes get gold. A failed opportunity is a failed life, but someone who takes it with full force can change a nation; a world.

[Amarillo]

With less than two weeks before the election, Madrid 2020 and has, the initial 'ten' to the final presentation. On Saturday, September 7 at 17:00 pm, the candidacy will sit at the table of 'Pacifics Room' in the Hilton of Buenos Aires this lineup: S.A.R Prince Philip, Mariano Rajoy, Ana Botella, Alejandro Blanco, Victor Sanchez, Theresa Zabell, Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr., Marisol Casado, José Perurena and Pau Gasol. With Nadal in doubt,(USA Open) Madrid 2020 considered it necessary, almost imperative, a presence of impact. Behind the speeches is Terrence Burns, guru who got the Games to Beijing and guides the application of the suitability of each message.

http://masdeporte.as.com/masdeporte/2013/08/25/polideportivo/1377397347_535518.html

[Amarillo]

Interview with Marisol Casado ( Spanish IOC member ) http://masdeporte.as.com/masdeporte/2013/08/29/polideportivo/1377732444_582127.html

-"We will in the first round" you said this summer in a breakfast of Europa Press after the success of Lausanne . Do you keep on thinking it?

I say this because it is a hunch, and because in our lobby group, we see we have many chances to win . And in the first round . I'm not triumphalist , I'm realistic .

-So important is to have three members on the IOC S instead of one as Japan ?

To convince the Olympic Family , having three members means triplicating your chances . If there is a dinner for IOC members, Alejandro Blanco and Ana Botella won’t enter, but Tokyo and Istanbul , neither. We can be in three tables , chatting with everyone in private dinner. Those are great advantages.

-How is the lobbying work? It seems to be a mystery…

Maybe I do not do my job properly, as I like to say what I think. But I'm from Madrid , I carry on and do this naturally . I Passionately sell my city. But it is true that moving within the IOC is very complicated. Being natural is not the most usual thing there . I don’t consider myself as politically incorrect , but I do not like to talk without saying anything.

-Around 100 IOC members will vote . How many have Madrid 'trust' ?

I especially related to executive committee members of international federations . Bubka , Patrick Baumann, …. I really know 20 or 30. But I can’t have the same number of friendships, that Samarach, for example, who has been here for more years.

-What is most crucial ?

Once the Evaluation Commission tells you you're able to organize the Games you don’t have to worry about technical issues . But the rotation of continents has a great importance . If Munich had won the Winter Games possible Madrid wouldn’t have bid for 2020 . And that's one of the things that can hurt us . That Berlin, Paris , want to organize in 2024.

-And Tokyo and Istanbul ?

Tokyo 's bid is very good . I think Istanbul needs more time and will mature in ten or fifteen years. That also happened to Madrid. Istanbul is presented for the fifth time , but does not offer anything new. The must sell what they are, and they have done just the opposite.

-Is Keyword presentation 7- S in Buenos Aires?

In this case , yes. We have been told in China that it will greatly influence by various circumstances. Many members will make the decision after the presentation . The focus has been more on the process of the election of the new president than on the bid for 2020.

-What do not you like listening to an IOC member ?

I like people to honor its principles and know what they are talking about. I like Sergei Bubka . Although it probably will not come as IOC president.

-Any agreements?

I can’t sepal about that ... (laughs ) yeah, sure . But as the vote is secret , at the end I will vote to whom I please. It is uncontrollable . But it is logical having Madrid winning. It is the most happiest and most amusing city .

-Do you insist on your hunch : Will Madrid win in the first round?

I am unable to secure it. That itself is a feeling, a hunch that I have and do not hide . It is important to maintain the illusion that we will win. It's good , especially for all those outside the sport and the nomination.

[Treo]

-"We will in the first round" you said this summer in a breakfast of Europa Press after the success of Lausanne . Do you keep on thinking it?

I say this because it is a hunch, and because in our lobby group, we see we have many chances to win . And in the first round . I'm not triumphalist , I'm realistic .

I think that that is not an appropiate thing to say, especially from an IOC member to claim not being triumphalist but still saying that the bid for which they are lobbying can have a first round win, some members among which she is trying to secure the vote might feel offended by such declarations. She is completely right to think whatever she wants, all right, but I think that she ought to keep those declarations to herself and claim such things in a newspaper interview. One has to be much more discrete and, in other words, humble, when "negotiating" and lobbying for this kind of things; and what I'm saying applies to anyone who makes such declarations, not only for Marisol Casado just for being a Spanish member, I don't want anyone to feel attacked here.

Nevertheless, I'm intriguied by what she says, even if she should not say these things, one does not make such declarations without being very confident. do they? Could Madrid win first round? Eeeerm... I shall think not.

[FYI]

^Agreed, Treo. But not only just that part, but also where she claims that "Istanbul is not ready. Maybe in another 10-15 years". I mean where does she come up with an arrogant assertion like that from. When in her very next breath she states "that once the Evaluation Commission tells you that you can organize the Games, that you don't have to worry about the technical aspect."

Well gues what, Marisol. The Evaluation team has also told Istanbul that they CAN organize the Games. And I wouldn't read too much about having more IOC members than Japan & Turkey. And I guess that they can also forget about Buhka's vote, too. I sense a little bit of Primo Neibolo back in 1997 here.

[Athensfan]

-How is the lobbying work? It seems to be a mystery…

Maybe I do not do my job properly, as I like to say what I think. But I'm from Madrid , I carry on and do this naturally . I Passionately sell my city. But it is true that moving within the IOC is very complicated. Being natural is not the most usual thing there . I don’t consider myself as politically incorrect , but I do not like to talk without saying anything.

This is the most interesting part of the interview to me. I'm right there with Marisol. It is extremely frustrating to be in a room of empty diplomatic gibberish when no one says what they really think. Sounds like hell.

[Troupe]

And I guess that they can also forget about Buhka's vote, too.

She says Bubka will not vote for Madrid, that part has not been translated:

"Y me gusta que la gente cumpla sus principios y sepa de lo que se habla. Me gusta Serguei Bubka. Aunque probablemente no saldrá como presidente del COI y no nos votará, habla en profundidad."

[Amarillo]

Truth, the interview is longer, there are more questions and answers, you can read them in the link (spanish) i just picked what i find most important, and remove part of the answers (translating all that is boring), i didn't notice I had removed that, but Marisol says that Bubka will not vote Madrid, yep

[FYI]

I'm curious to know why she said Buhka won't vote for Madrid? Did she give a mention as to why? And why would Buhka come out & say that? I find that interesting.

[Athensfan]

Perhaps Bubka is lobbying on behalf of someone else and that's why Marisol knows he's not a Madrid supporter. Remember that Bubka is pushing the Ukraine for a Winter bid. Perhaps he's made a deal to campaign for one of the candidates in exchange for their support.

If I had to guess, I'd assume he was in favor of Istanbul.

The former Soviet nations all seem tight with the Chinese. The Chinese seem pretty unlikely to support Tokyo. Particularly if there's any thought of Shanghai 2028 or even Harbin 2026. Between Beijing, Pyeongchang and Tokyo, the Chinese would be in for a decent wait. Europe, Africa North America would all be ahead in line.

[Treo]

Interesting enough...

http://www.aroundtherings.com/articles/view.aspx?id=42799

Don't know if you know about this man, Terence Burns. Apparently he was the thinking brain behind the success of Beijing, Sochi, Rio and Pyeongchang, in 2018 and i'm not sure about London. I've researched a little about this man and, apparently, he is supposed to be a marketing and PR genius, and he has was hired last March by... Madrid! I've read somewhere that this man writes all the speeches, and tells everyone on the bid teams when to talk and when to shut up and supervises everything there is about PR, marketing, or videos. Maybe he was the key of the success of Madrid's presentation in Lausanne last july.

Could this be a sign of things to come?

[Amarillo]

Yes, i've seen many articles about him in the Spanish media, they call it 'Madrid's gurú'. I've read that he worked with Atlanta, Beijing, Vancouver, Sochi, Pyonayang and Russia 2018. He started with Rome this year, then he was hired by Baku, and finally by Madrid,(When this 2 were out). He is the one organizing and elaborating the speeches, presentations ( Lausane,..) , caring about the image of Botella, Blanco, Felipe & co. Here you have 2 articles about him (in spanish)

http://masdeporte.as.com/masdeporte/2013/08/04/polideportivo/1375578589_510228.html

http://www.larazon.es/detalle_normal/noticias/2896490/el-secreto-del-exito-de-madrid-2020#.UiDzVDZLNkk

[Amarillo]

Images from the 'Discovery Underground' race, which took place in Madrid's metro ( underground ) in support to 2020games. The video ready for the 7 sept, will contain images of this race.

http://www.abc.es/fotos-madrid/20130825/imagenes-espectacular-carrera-subterranea-151993935054.html

[emre]

-And Tokyo and Istanbul ?

I think Istanbul needs more time and will mature in ten or fifteen years. That also happened to Madrid. Istanbul is presented for the fifth time , but does not offer anything new. The must sell what they are, and they have done just the opposite.

says 3 rd attempt and only say we build %80 or facilities city? did dey carry madrid anywhere else and offering st new??? lol

[Amarillo]

says 3 rd attempt and only say we build %80 or facilities city? did dey carry madrid anywhere else and offering st new??? lol

I imagine she refers to the 'A games between two cities, bla bla bla', which Istanbul uses in tourism campaings, in the Games, in championships, etc, They always use the same sentence to apply for everything, theres nothing new there. Aren't the 'austerity Games' something new???

[TheOtherRob]

If 1948 is new, then sure.

[Thomas Cook]

I hope that Madrid win. It's time for Europe and Fukushima and riots in Istanbul are not a good place.

[Amarillo]

Jorge Lorenzo, Márquez, and Pedrosa (first, second, third) at GP in Silverstone

[TheOtherRob]

Oh, very nice! Money can't buy you that!