- Title: DENMARK: Spain's golden era to boost Madrid bid, says PM
- Date: 2nd October 2009
- Summary: COPENHAGEN, DENMARK (OCTOBER 1, 2009) (REUTERS) VARIOUS OF HOTEL D'ANGLETERRE SPANISH PRIME MINISTER JOSE LUIS ZAPATERO ENTERS NEWS CONFERENCE VARIOUS OF NEWS CONFERENCE MADRID 2016 LOGO (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) SPANISH PRIME MINISTER JOSE LUIS ZAPATERO SAYING: "What I want to express is that Spain is living a golden era of sport. We have won the European Championships
- Embargoed: 17th October 2009 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Denmark
- Country: Denmark
- Topics: Sports
- Reuters ID: LVA3Y6GAXB1W43NSFV7MKWWCW0NZ
- Story Text: Spain's "golden era" of sporting success will help swing the 2016 Olympic vote Madrid's way, Prime Minister Jose Luis Zapatero predicted on Thursday (October 1).
Zapatero, who said he drew personal inspiration from his memories of the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, spent much of Thursday morning in meetings with IOC members, who will decide on Friday between Madrid, Chicago, Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo.
The prime minister pointed to Spain's recent victories at the soccer and basketball European Championships, their Davis Cup win and continuing success in such sports as waterpolo and handball as evidence of the country's enthusiasm and commitment.
"Spain is going through a golden era in sport," Zapatero said at a news conference. "We are also a country that is true to the Olympic spirit and values."
Speaking of his personal sporting heroes, Zapatero cited Fermin Cacho's success in the 1992 Games.
"Athletics is an important Olympic sport Fermin Cacho in the 1500 metres always inspired me. The image of him winning the gold medal in Barcelona is something that is always there," Zapatero said. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
- Copyright Notice: (c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2011. Open For Restrictions - http://about.reuters.com/fulllegal.asp
- Usage Terms/Restrictions: None