Madrid is celebrating a city-wide Sports Day Sunday, where for the first time the city centre will be transformed into a great sports arena where, according to a media release, people of all ages and abilities can try out Olympic and Paralympic events.
The media release said Sports Day is to become an annual event from now on and “will show how Madrid believes that sport can be part of daily life for all its citizens”.
Activities will be free and held in five different areas called “anillos” (rings). Information areas will be located in each of these rings to attract future Madrid 2016 volunteers. There will also be different sports exhibitions demonstrating the sports of more than 190 nationalities living in Madrid.
Mercedes Coghen, head of Madrid 2016 said, “social inclusion and equality of opportunity are an important part of our bid to host the Olympics and Paralympics in 2016 and I hope our sports day on Sunday will demonstrate that sport is for everybody”.
Madrid’s Mayor Alberto Ruiz-Gallardon said, “in order to encourage people to participate in the different events, passports will be distributed. These will help everyone keep track of all the activities they have taken part in, and rewards will be given to those who compete in all 16 sports events”.
Madrid 2016 said Sports Day will also encourage and promote environmental values. Recycled paper will be used for all printed materials and the canvasses used for advertising, promotional and information posters and for the entrance decorations will also be recycled and transformed into promotional bid items and presents.
