Olympics-Q&A with Madrid 2016 bid leader Mercedes Coghen

BERLIN, Sept 29 (Reuters) - The International Olympic Committee will elect the winning bid for the 2016 Olympics on Oct. 2. Chicago, Tokyo, Rio de Janeiro and Madrid are bidding.

Herewith a Q&A with Madrid 2016 bid chief Mercedes Coghen.

REUTERS: Why should your city be awarded the 2016 Olympics?

COGHEN: "Madrid 2016 is the Games with the 'Human Touch'. Madrid 2016 is the safest bid. Madrid 2016 is the bid we can all count on - for fun, for sporting excellence, for the future of Olympism and for the world.

"It is compact, environmentally friendly and very well supported already. It is fully financed and guaranteed. It has everything it takes to stage a successful, moving and memorable Olympic Games.

"We have the experience, the expertise and the passion."

REUTERS: What is the strength of your bid and what would you want to improve if you had more time?

COGHEN: "Very simply, Madrid is an amazing city. It is ready and able to take the Games in swifter, higher, stronger directions.

"We made a bid for the Games four years ago and have time to consider our project and make adjustments to present an even stronger bid this time around.

"The only thing we can improve is how we demonstrate the strength of the project. It is there for all to see, and Spanish athletes are currently performing at the top of their game in sports across the world.

"That's because we have amazing facilities and deep passion for sport in Spain. As our capital, Madrid is an international sports city - for fans, tourists, athletes and citizens."

REUTERS: Given that some recent Games have left behind little in terms of legacy, what would the legacy be for your city and the IOC, should it win the Games?

COGHEN: "The technical project of Madrid is highly advanced so we will set a benchmark for the world in what an Olympic city can be and show a new way of living together for urban development and social integration.

"Our venues will be used to benefit the city and the world as a training and competing platform. Some, such as the temporary venues, will be donated to developing countries. The Olympic stadium will become a new home for top football club Atletico Madrid.

"All communities within Madrid will benefit from improved facilities and a renewed energy for sport in their lives."

REUTERS: With bids forced to follow a strict set of IOC guidelines and criteria, what is the innovative aspect of your proposal that makes it unique?

COGHEN: "There are two things to bear in mind here. With the current global crisis it is really important for the IOC to have a partner it knows can deliver a fantastic Olympic event.

"The context of this vote is the worst economic crisis since the 1930s. With so many of our venues so advanced and with the experience and expertise of international events we already have in Spain, that assurance becomes an innovation in a world with so many questions.

"Secondly, Madrid is a city that lives sport and lives for sport, in our parks, streets, homes, gardens, schools and sports centres. We offer not simply an amazing event which will be well supported and popular but a new model for urban living.

"Already over half of the world's population lives in cities and that could increase to 75 percent by 2025. So we will show, in Madrid, a new urban model for living together with sport and Olympic values at the heart of civic life."

REUTERS: How is your Games budget structured and what sort of guarantees are you offering the IOC?

COGHEN: "In total, the budget is $2,600 million dollars and can be considered balanced, easy to manage and harmonised. The Games will be completely self-financing with subsidies dedicated exclusively to the Paralympic Games.

"More than 40 percent of the income is guaranteed by the IOC's contribution, TOP sponsors and the Paralympic subsidies supplied by the three public administrations.

"Another 50 percent comes from local sponsorship, licences and ticket revenues. In other words, 90 percent of the income is already covered, and everything is 100 percent underwritten by the Spanish State."

REUTERS: What impact has the financial crisis had on your plans and do you see it affecting the vote?

COGHEN: "The crisis is a problem for the world. We are all citizens of that world and sport is a vital part of our lives, so anything that is a risk for sport is a risk for people everywhere.

"Happily we have a strong economy, a solid base of foundations and political commitment and a huge desire for the 2016 Games in Spain. Our corporate sponsors stand at 68, including major multi-nationals, and they have pledged 70 percent of the funding for the event.

"The rest is met by state funding, ticket sales and associated revenues, and everything is 100 percent underwritten by the Spanish government."

REUTERS: In terms of major venue construction what still needs to be built and what is already existing?

COGHEN: "Many of our venues are either already built or underway, such as the Olympic Stadium and Aquatics Centre. 77 percent of the sports' venues are in hand.

"With others the land is already reserved so the project is all ready to go and can be completed in a clear timeframe. Our Mayor has already commented that Madrid could host the 2012 Olympics, our venues are so advanced!

"Of course, Madrid is a great world city so we have 100 percent of the necessary infrastructure in place for an event on this scale."

REUTERS: How much do you believe sponsors/broadcasters can influence the 2016 vote as major deals (including U.S. broadcasting rights and new TOP sponsors) are still pending?

COGHEN: "That is really a question for the IOC. Time zones are important for broadcasters and Madrid does offer advantages for spectator timetables throughout the world, regardless of time zone.

"We know we can offer all broadcasters a fantastic time and great facilities in Madrid, and many have said that already."

REUTERS: What political support will you have on-site in Copenhagen?

COGHEN: "We will be taking the full support of all Spain with us to Copenhagen. Many friends and supporters will be with us, including our bid team.

"The levels of government will be represented by our Mayor, Alberto Ruiz-Gallardon, regional president Esperanza Aguirre, and Prime Minister (Jose Luis Rodriguez) Zapatero. Another high profile former Olympian will be with us, our King, Juan Carlos.

"He represents the whole of Spain because it is our national bid. We all want the Olympics in Madrid in 2016 and every one of our leaders knows that."

(Compiled by Karolos Grohmann, editing by Pritha Sarkar; To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)