It would be a sad loss for the Olympic movement if the Torch Relay around the world
was discontinued for future Games, the Chief of the Madrid 2016 Olympic Bid said
from Beijing .
Mercedes Coghen, Madrid 2016 CEO, who has been meeting with international
and national Olympic bodies in Beijing, China this week said: “The torch relay is a
great opportunity to share the Olympic experience and spread the values of the
Games to citizens around the world.
“The Olympics should be a symbol of peace and unity and not be used for
political reasons. Of course in the future security issues will need to be
addressed but it is important that the tradition of the relay continues and it
would be a sad loss if it was abolished in the
future.”
Leaders of Madrid 2016 Olympic and Paralympics Bid team met with IOC and
National Olympic Committee members this week and visited some of the venues for
Beijing 2008.
“We
were very impressed with the venues,” said Coghen. She continued: “the quality
and scale of the facilities is impressive and they are ready. Beijing will be a great
Olympics and we have learned a great deal for our own bid.”
“It
was good to discuss issues with Olympic committees from around the world; there
is a great sense of excitement and optimism about the Beijing
Games.”