Qatar’s Heir Apparent, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee and Chairman of Doha 2020, said in Doha 2020’s presentation to the Association of Olympic National Committees (ANOC) “this is a bid on behalf of the entire Middle East and North Africa region. It is not a single effort of Qatar, but one of a region whose population will reach 700 million people by 2020.
“We want to utilize the 2020 Games to create new sporting and commercial opportunities for the Olympic Movement, and develop sporting programs and venues that benefit an entire region.
“Athletes are at the heart of this vision. They must have the right conditions to perform. That is why the QOC has been engaging with the International Federations on the timing of a possible Doha 2020 Games. This has resulted in our proposal to host the Olympic Games from the 2nd to the 18th of October and the Paralympic Games from the 4th to the 15th of November.
“We have chosen these dates to deal directly with the issue of temperature. To ensure excellent conditions for athletes, spectators, and media, similar to those of previous Olympic Host cities”.
Noora Al Mannai, bid CEO said, “Qatar has put in place a Sports Master Plan which is the basis of Doha’s bid and means that 91 per cent of our Games sports venues are already built or planned and budgeted for. Our plan ensures no ‘white elephants’; it is a totally sustainable approach – for the environment, for the venues, for our communities, and for sport in the region.
“Our geographical location makes us easily accessible to the rest of the world. And we are offering a compact and affordable Games plan which will have something for everyone”.
