Thousands of people participated in a sports day Sunday featuring Olympic and Paralympic events in Madrid’s city centre, boosting Madrid’s bid for the 2016 Summer Olympic Games.
Participants of all ages took part in 16 physical activities including archery, athletics, beach volleyball, field hockey and synchronized swimming, aided by professional coaches.
Venues were set up in the city’s main park, two squares, and central streets. They were open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. There were also some non-Olympic sports, including golf and squash.
Each person was given a sports “passport” which was stamped after each event they took part in.
About 5,000 people added their names to a volunteer list should Madrid host the 2016 Summer Games.
Mercedes Coghen, CEO of Madrid 2016 said in a press release, “I am very happy with the huge number of people attending the sports day. It has been a complete success. To enjoy and live the sport and its values with thousands of Madrid citizens demonstrates that our city is able to host a memorable Olympics and Paralympic Games”.
The Associated Press quotes Coghen saying, “social inclusion and equality of opportunity are an important part of our bid to host the Olympics and Paralympics in 2016”.
Madrid’s Mayor Alberto Ruiz Gallardon said, “the people of Madrid live for their sport and we feel passion about bringing the Olympics to the city. The turn-out for today’s event demonstrates this”.
Meanwhile Madrid’s 2016 logo is being projected nightly on one of the facades of Torre Picasso and will continue until the night of June 22-23. Spanish construction and services group FCC, owner of the building, is reportedly a preferred sponsor of the bid.
