Madrid, 4 August 2009 – Over 2,500 employees from Madrid 2016’s official sponsors have helped the Spanish bid break through 40,000 volunteers and push towards the 50,000 mark. The employees signed up in support of the bid as part of a recruitment drive across sponsor companies during July.

With two months to go until the International Olympic Committee (IOC) makes its final decision, this result demonstrates that Madrid 2016 continues to receive massive public support. The employees, of diverse ages and nationalities, have signed up through an office-wide campaign with sponsor companies. These include: Garrigues, Telefónica, Repsol, FCC, Caja Madrid, PwC, Cámara de Comercio, Ferrovial, Osiolux and Mercamadrid.

“The positive response of these employees has once again demonstrated the incredible popular support for our bid,” said Madrid 2016 CEO Mercedes Coghen. “93% of the population are in favour of Madrid hosting the 2016 Games and want to be a part of this exciting event.”

Madrid 2016 engaged with employees in their own offices, and provided general information about the bid as well as explaining the important role of those signing up as volunteers. The response was very positive and the majority did not hesitate to actively participate in bringing the Olympic and Paralympic Games to Madrid in 2016.

“The Games would be good for everyone; for Madrileños and for the city. The infrastructure needed for an event like this will remain for us to enjoy for years to come,” said a Mercamadrid worker, who signed up as a volunteer today.

The Madrid 2016 volunteer programme was set up two years ago and has succeeded in attracting well over 40,000 people to register their active support for the bid. The bid team hopes to reach the 50,000 figure very soon. All those interested in supporting the bid can register at Madrid 2016’s website:

http://www.madrid2016.es/en/apoyacandidatura/voluntarios/Paginas/default.aspx

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For further information please call Malcolm Munro on + 44 7795013006 or Nicky Blunt on +44 20 7861 3107

www.madrid2016.es

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