Madrid 2016 Stands for Equality and Opportunity, Says Olympic Bid Chief
Speaking on International Women’s Day and as the only woman bid leader in the race to host the 2016 Olympic & Paralympic Games, Madrid’s Mercedes Coghen has spoken out on the Spanish capital’s commitment to equality and its belief in the power of sport to bring about social transformation.
“The Olympic Games is the prefect vehicle for promoting the shared values of citizenship and co-existence. In Madrid we not differentiate between male or female, black or white, young or old, able bodied and disabled, or any other way in which people try to construct social barriers.”
Madrid 2016 positions itself as the safest choice for 2016. In addition to its bid being fully guaranteed, financially secure and with record levels of public support at 92.6%, it has an ambitious and comprehensive programme of urban regeneration and social development which will continue to benefit the city and its inhabitants for generations to come through the power of the Olympic legacy.
This week Madrid 2016 co-authored a statement along with the Higher Sports Council, Madrid Town Council, Madrid Regional Government, Spanish Olympic Committee, and the Presidents of Real Madrid and Athletico de Madrid. The city’s two world-famous football clubs will face each other later today in a derby match. Their declaration is below.
“Madrid is a warm, welcoming and open city. It is this way thanks to the character of its citizens. Madrid is a welcoming city, where nearly 200 different nationalities coexist. There are no ghettos, because Madrid doesn’t catalogue its citizens according to their race, colour, religion or culture. Madrid is everyone’s and opens its arms to anyone that wants to be part of our society.
“This is Madrid and Spain’s spirit. And this is the spirit we want to transmit to the eight institutions that are gathered here today, Sports Council (Consejo Superior de Deportes), Spanish Olympic Committee (Comité Olímpico Español), Government of the Region of Madrid (Comunidad de Madrid), Madrid City Council (Ayuntamiento de Madrid), Madrid 2016 Olympic Bid (Candidatura Olímpica de Madrid 2016), Real Madrid Football Club and Atlético de Madrid Football Club. These eight institutions want to thank all those who have come to our country and have become part of our society for their great contribution to Madrid and Spain’s development. We also wish to pledge our commitment to fighting any racist, xenophobe or violent conduct.
“We believe that one of the best ways to end this behaviour is sport and the values it represents, such as participation, unity, solidarity and team work.
“Therefore, we are committed to developing sports, cultural and educational programs that help us eradicate these isolated conducts that harm our society and show a false image of Madrid and Spain.”