Madrid warms up for 2016 with int. athletes

Madrid warms up for 2016 with international athletes

Madrid, 3 July 2009 - Another date on the road to the 2016 Olympics being held in Madrid falls this weekend. The greatest athletics competition will hold its annual meeting and competition in the Spanish capital on 4 July. This event, incorporating the Grand Prix of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), will also celebrate the 30th anniversary of the event.

This will be yet another opportunity for Madrid to demonstrate its ability to organise and stage a major international sporting event as it hopes to bring the greatest display of sport on the planet to the Spanish capital in 2016.

Madrid’s links with athletics stretch through the Barcelona ’92 Olympics to specific events in the capital such as the European Indoor Games 1968, European Championships 1986 and 2005, and the World Cup 2002. It is certain that a number of athletes are in Madrid hoping once again to break a world record this weekend.

“Madrid is an ideal city for international sporting competitions at the highest level,” said Alberto Ruiz Gallardón, Mayor of Madrid. “We have the experience, the ability, and the expertise to ensure that these competitions take place under ideal conditions.”

Madrid 2016 bid chief Mercedes Coghen added: “Madrid is a city for athletes, we live for sport and have a passion for it. Seeing these athletes compete at the highest level is a wonderful experience for us and another step towards our dream of hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2016.”

ENDS

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