As Madrid comes back into contention for the Olympic Games, Spyros Capralos, President of the European Olympic Committees (EOC) expressed hope that the city will bid for the European Games.
Speaking to Spanish news agency EFE following an EOC Executive Committee meeting in Madrid, Capralos said: “What we hope is that one day Spain joins the map as the organizing country of the European Games. I know that there are many cities that have the necessary infrastructure.
“On the path to organizing Olympic Games in the future, the European Games are a good step to then move forward.”
His comments came as Madrid re-entered the fray as a potential host of the 2036 Games. Following the city’s securing of Formula One, the President of the Community of Madrid, Isabel Díaz Ayuso said: “Who knows if it will help us to attract other major events? The Olympics perhaps? We’re working on it.”
Capralos said: “Spain is one of our most important members. Its Olympic committee is very actively involved and always has a place in our Executive. President Alejandro Blanco is highly respected, not only in Europe, and the general secretary, Victoria Cabezas, makes very valuable contributions. Madrid joins a growing list of candidates to host the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“The new IOC rules reduce the cost in many aspects, especially in construction. And we want to set a good example for society in terms of sustainability. Having many candidates is good.”
Unlike the IOC, the EOC does not have many candidates for its flagship event, but it has a strong candidate for the 2027 European Games in Istanbul, which is also bidding for the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games. “We are going to receive here in Madrid a delegation from Turkey, from the municipality of Istanbul, to discuss a candidacy that is very good. We will go to the city soon, before granting them the Games. It makes us very happy that a great country like Turkey wants to organize the Games.
“In today’s world it is very difficult to attract candidates to organize multi-sport competitions. But the Poland Games [in 2023] were a great success, with top-level athletes qualifying there for the Paris Olympics. And federations, Olympic committees and athletes have already realized its importance.”
The EOC and Istanbul are in discussions with the federations of gymnastics and swimming about their possible inclusion in the 2027 program. “Gymnastics and swimming are, of course, big competitions and both European federations want to be at the Games. I am sure that artistic and rhythmic gymnastics will return to the programme and we are discussing an under-23 swimming competition,” said Capralos.
“We do not want to insist on sports that force organizers to build new venues. At most, to reform them at a lower cost. This way we will attract more cities in the future.”
Tag: European Games
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Madrid European Games would be “good step” towards Olympics – EOC President
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EOC plans to be “on top of” AI developments by Istanbul 2027
On the day of signing an MoU with the hosts of the Istanbul 2027 European Games, Spyros Capralos, President of the European Olympic Committees (EOC) highlighted AI as a “useful tool” for delivery of the mega event in Europe’s largest city.
He also highlighted the economic success of the previous edition of the Games, with talks with prospective hosts for 2031 set to begin soon.
“We know that artificial intelligence is an area which brings exciting opportunities and, in line with the Olympic artificial intelligence agenda, we’ll explore how it can help us to optimise plans for the 2027 European Games,” said Capralos.
“AI is something that’s new in our world and I think that there are many developments in sport, but also developments in other in other areas,” he told Host City during a press conference.
“Every Games has its challenges, and AI could be an extremely useful tool to help ensure efficient logistical planning in areas such as accommodation, transportation.”
The innovations that AI can bring to sport will be high on the agenda of the EOC General Assembly in Bucharest in June, he said.
“I think that going forward in the next three years, there are going to be lots of developments and we’ll be on top of that.”
Bids for 2031 European Olympic Games
Following the General Assembly, the EOC will enter into discussions with prospective hosts for the 2031 European Olympic Games.
“We’ve had some cities that have expressed an interest” said Caparalos, referring to parties who were “not ready” to bid for 2027 but are now looking at 2031 instead.
“I think it’s what is a very positive on this front is that, before we’re looking for a host, we have concluded and agreed with our Turkish friends more than three years before the Games.
“So I think this is very good and it shows the success of the Games”
He cited a Deloitte report evaluating the previous Games in Kraków-Ma?opolska in 2023, which demonstrated that the benefits far outweighed the costs that associated with the Games.
“In today’s world every government and every municipality is afraid of what the taxpayers will say, and from the report of Deloitte, we realised that the positive financial aspect of the Games was such that by sharing this with other cities, that will increase the interest.”
Caparalos also confirmed that Istanbul was building no new permanent venues for 2027 Games, “in line with IOC Agenda 20+5”, and focusing on upgrading existing venues.
“An event of this size relies on people having the expertise to ensure a successful event. Istanbul has proven itself in this respect throughout its hosting of several events; it has the people with the skills, the experience and the passion to host fantastic events.
“The EOC looks forward to working together to deliver a memorable Games, and a Games with innovation at the forefront.”
Capralos’ comments were made in a press conference in Rome marking the occasion of the European Olympic Committees, the Turkish Olympic Committee and the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality signing a Memorandum of Understanding for the 2027 European Games.
The Games are likely to take place in the last 10 days of June in 2027, he said, with qualifying opportunities to the Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028 available in a number of sports.