New York, NY (January 27, 2005) – NYC2012, the committee leading New York’s bid to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012, today announced that its Nations of New York network has surpassed 400 members. The Nations of New York brings together nationality-based organizations representing New York City’s numerous international communities who are committed to support New York’s bid.  The Nations of New York members come from more than ninety countries and cover a range of civic, educational, sports, business, social services and cultural groups.

The latest additions to the Nations of New York network include Raizes Do Brasil, ADVANCE (Australian Professionals in America), the Coalition of Asian Pacific Americans, the Manhattan Hungarian Network and the Russian American Cultural Center.

“The tremendous enthusiasm and participation of these nationality-based organizations in promoting New York’s bid for the Olympic Games in 2012 add great strength to our effort,” said Daniel L. Doctoroff, Deputy Mayor for Economic Development and Rebuilding and NYC2012 Founder.  “In the Olympic Games, New Yorkers see a reflection of themselves, a diverse community of dreamers, coming together to test themselves against the best, and to be judged solely on talent and determination, just like the great athletes who participate in the Games.”

Mustapha Fadil of the Moroccan Charity Association, a Nations of New York member organization, said: “The Moroccan community has a long history in New York City, coming here to achieve our dreams while still maintaining our sense of home. We will cheer on the exciting Moroccan athletes in 2012 and give them that same sense of home as they try to make their athletic dreams come true. They will find a passionate and welcoming hometown crowd here in New York.”

The member organizations of Nations of New York play an integral role in the bid.  The members have helped promote the bid within their community, sponsor events and activities, and make contact with their friends and family back home, updating them on the bid’s progress. Members have donated advertising space for NYC2012 in their respective newsletters and brochures, and have participated in bid-themed events like the Candidature File (“Bid Book”) sendoff atop the Brooklyn Bridge in November. 

NYC2012 has been a presence at many events organized by Nations of New York’s members including the Nigerian Independence Anniversary Parade, the Asian Pacific American Heritage Festival in Union Square, and the African Unity Cup in Harlem (involving Senegal, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Guinea). The partnership extends beyond events.  Pace University’s School of Computer Science and Information Systems created free websites for Nations of New York members working alongside NYC2012, serving as a valuable resource for many of the member organizations and getting the academic community involved in the bid.

For a complete list of Nations of New York member organizations, go t

http://www.nyc2012.com/en/team_nations_of_ny.html

New York City is competing with four other Candidate Cities for the right to host the 2012 Games: London, Madrid, Moscow and Paris.  An International Olympic Committee (IOC) Evaluation Committee will visit the cities to inspect and review each city’s Olympic plan. New York will host the Evaluation Committee February 21-24, 2005.   The Host City will be selected on July 6th 2005 in Singapore.

Contact:
Iva Benson
International Communications Manager
NYC2012
One Liberty Plaza, 34th Floor
New York, NY 10006
P 001-646-587-5490
F 001-212-953-0124
E ibenson@nyc2012.com
W http://www.nyc2012.com/