Spain is confident of another fantastic year of sport in 2009 after the amazing success of 2008.
Victories brought home by Spaniards included Euro 2008 (beating Germany), Wimbledon 2008 (Rafa Nadal), the Tour de France 2008 (Carlos Sastre), 2008 Giro d’Italia (Alberto Contador) and the Roland Garros French Open (men's singles and women's doubles). Strong showings were also made at the Beijing Olympics 2008 and on the Formula One racing track with Spanish driver Fernando Alonso. The country is hopeful of enduring success in sport this year, with the decision being made in October on the successful host city for the 2016 Olympic Games for which Spanish capital Madrid is bidding.
“2008 was an amazing year for Spain and everyone involved in sport in our country,” said Mercedes Coghen, CEO of the Madrid 2016 Olympic bid. “Sport is all about people. It brings them together, unites them, and truly has the power to change lives. We want the 2016 Games to bring about social transformation and be the Games with the Human Touch.”
Recently, Spanish athletes have been awarded medals by both the French and Spanish governments in recognition of their achievements - not just in 2008 but throughout long and distinguished sporting careers. The January issue of Elle Magazine in Spain features a number of Spanish sporting celebrities wishing Spain well on track and field in 2009, and reflecting on the difference sport can make to people’s lives. Athletes such as Rafa Nadal, Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Pau Gasol (basketball), Alberto Contador (cyclist) and Gisela Pulido (kite-surfing) are all confident of further victory in sport for Spain in 2009.
The magazine also features an interview with Madrid’s Mayor Gallardón, who is one of the faces of the 2016 bid. “There is nothing more important to me than bringing the 2016 Games to Madrid,” comments the politician. “We already have three quarters of our venues and infrastructure ready and with the global economic downturn that is something in Madrid’s favour.”
The Madrid bid also has high levels of public support for bringing the Games to Spain in 2016. 93% of Spaniards are enthusiastic to host the event; and that support is present across all levels of Spanish society including the Royal Family, government, business, industry, trade unions and the media.
The decision will be announced on 2nd October in Copenhagen.
