Austria Olympic Committee (OeOC) President Karl Stoss said in a statement it was news to him that Vienna mayor said he planned to hold a referendum in March on Austria bidding for the 2024 or 2028 Summer Olympic Games, and that an official announcement about the referendum would be made on Friday.
Sheen said, “this is news to us, but basically we support any sort of Olympic initiative, as long as it has a realistic chance of success and has the financial means for the candidacy and the necessary infrastructure requirements”.
OeOC Secretary General Peter Mennel added, “London 2012 was an impressive example of what effect the Summer Games can have. The necessary infrastructure work has a long term effect on the development of grass roots and especially top-level sports because of the improved training options”.
City council will reportedly make a decision Friday on whether a referendum will be held.
The Austrian Independent reports the city of Vienna hopes that hosting such an event would have a very positive effect on the image of the city after witnessing the positive effects the London Summer Games had on the British capital.
Austria hosted the 1964 and 1976 Winter Games in Innsbruck, and co-hosted Euro 2008 with Switzerland, but has never staged a Summer Games.
