Italy Set For 2020 Olympic Bid

The Italian Olympic Committee has confirmed it is ready to bid for the 2020 Olympic Games with the mayors of Rome and Venice immediately putting themselves forward as the nominated bidding city.

The move follows the decision to award the 2016 Games to Rio de Janiero who beat off Madrid, Toyko and Chicago to land the prize.

A Madrid victory, following on from London 2012, would have meant two European Summer Games in succession and hugely reduced the chances of a third straight Olympics coming to the continent. Madrid’s loss has prompted Italy to explore options for 2020.

‘The time is right for an Italian bid for the 2020 Olympic Games,’ Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) president Giovanni Petrucci said in a statement.

‘Rio de Janeiro’s victory definitely gives Italy the chance to carefully consider the idea of nominating a city.’
The Italian city of Turin held a largely successful Winter Olympics in 2006.

Venice Mayor Massimo Cacciari said the city of canals and the surrounding area would be the perfect venue for the 2020 Games, coming 60 years after Rome hosted the Summer Olympics.

‘Venice is an iconic city, unique in the world, which enjoys universal recognition,’ he stated.

‘The Olympics is the biggest international event and to promote and organise the 2020 Games would allow the city and the whole metropolitan area to accelerate numerous regeneration projects.’