Over 100 companies join the Madrid 2020 Olympic project

7/20/2012

The Madrid 2020 Olympic project is receiving solid support from Spain’s biggest companies. More than 100 representatives of the country’s leading businesses, some of them with a high international profile, took part in an event recognising the support that the Madrid 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Bid is receiving from Spanish enterprises. The event was led by the Mayor of Madrid Ana Botella, the Secretary of State for Sport Miguel Cardenal and Bid President Alejandro Blanco.

In giving their backing to the Olympic dream, Spanish firms such as Accenture, BBVA, BMW, El Corte Ingles, Garrigues, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Telefonica, Ferrovial Agroman, La Caixa, Ifema, OHL Grupo Villarmir, Alcampo, Avanza and Ortiz, among many others, have all declared their interest in forming part of the Madrid 2020 project.

The president of the Madrid 2020 Bid, Alejandro Blanco, said that in this long journey "we need the companies. Some of them started to work with us from the beginning, without asking any question, just because they want to walk beside us all the way long and they are willing to participate in any aspect which might be needed and do their bit”.

Blanco noted that “we count with great support both from government and private institutions". "Spain is a country where bad news premiums today, but we have the best companies, which are leaders in their business , and we need to encourage all the positive things that this country has," remarked the President of the Bid, noting that "we are talking not only of a project, but the project that will bring Spain together".

"We do not seek the glory of sport, which we fortunately already have, we seek the social excellence, and to achieve it, we count on you," concluded Blanco referring to the entrepreneurs gathered the event.

The Secretary of State for Sports, Miguel Cardenal, emphasized the support of the main Spanish companies for the Olympic project, noting that "we are all together in this road: sports and political authorities, entrepreneurs, and the whole of the Spanish society are willing to achieve the dream of hosting and enjoying the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Madrid".

Moreover, Madrid Mayor, Ana Botella, said that one of the strengths of the Bid is "the permanent and continuous support given by the business sector". “The Bid is a strategic opportunity for the city, as the Games in Madrid 2020 will invigorate the industrial and commercial activity, will generate employment, attract investment, promote tourism and boost the international image of our city", remarked the Mayor.

On behalf of the companies, Juan Miguel Villar-Mir, President of one of the most important Spanish construction companies, OHL Villarmir, noted that all the companies attending the event "have a huge commitment and connection with the Madrid 2020 Bid, and a great hope that our joint efforts will help make Madrid the city chosen to host the Games in 2020".

"I can’t deny how proud I am of being from Madrid, the same as my grandparents, my parents my children and my grandchildren", he said. "Madrid 2020 is the dream of all its citizens. We want to build together a solid and responsible project, which will promote economic activity as well as map out Spain to the world and attract new investments," he said.

The support offered by these companies represents another step forward for the Bid, which already has the unanimous and wholehearted backing of government at all levels, aware as it is that the project for the hosting of the Games is a priority and a national concern that is vital to generate opportunities for younger generations in the future.

The endorsement of the Bid by Spanish enterprise is an indication of their commitment to the Madrid 2020 project and their desire for the Games to create a legacy for the city, a legacy that will bring about environmental improvements for the people of Madrid, encourage them to lead healthier lifestyles by playing sport and will create new opportunities for young people and entrepreneurs.

In the coming months Spain’s most prominent companies will build close links with the Bid through the sponsorship programme, which will offer them four different ways of providing their support, allowing them to work hand in hand with the Olympic project and contribute to the creation of plans promoting and developing sport and the city.

For further inquiries, please contact: Sandra Serrano
International Communications Department Madrid 2020 Bid Committee
Phone: +34 91 1922020 aserrano@madrid2020.es
www.madrid.es www.facebook.com/madrid2020 @Madrid2020ES

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