Spanish Prime Minister Urges Public Support for Madrid 2020

Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has publicly backed Madrid’s 2020 bid while also urging every Spaniard to lend it the same nationwide support as Barcelona enjoyed when it was awarded the 1992 Olympics.

“In 1992 we were all Barceloneses, and in 2020 Madrid is expecting us all to be Madrileños,” said Rajoy, on being presented with the Candidature File by the Mayor of Madrid Ana Botella and Madrid 2020 Bid President Alejandro Blanco at a ceremony held at the Moncloa Palace, his official residence in the Spanish capital.

Rajoy described the Madrid project as a “showcase” revealing what the people of Spain are capable of when they unite in a common cause.

He added: “The Candidature File is the very best example of the excellence that can be achieved by team work and faithful cooperation between the various levels of government.”

The Spanish leader also pointed to Madrid’s proven organisational capabilities, the fact that the city has been diligently going about its preparations for many years, and the excitement among its inhabitants at the opportunity to host the Games.

For her part, the Mayor said: “This is an Olympic bid by the whole of Spain, one that goes beyond the city and is a national project, a project for everyone and based on efficient, simplified and intelligent management. It has the support of the entire country.”

Blanco, who is also the head of the Spanish Olympic Committee, had this to say: “The organisation and plan for the Madrid Games are guaranteed, backed and promoted by the entire government and the Prime Minister.”

He added that the project was credible, achievable, controllable, responsible, and – using a word he said he was keen to bring to Rajoy’s attention – predictable, in that it was a project that could only lead to success.

“We have every faith in the sporting and organisational ability of Spain. We are a benchmark throughout the world thanks to the quality of our sportsmen and women, our coaches and our federations” he concluded.