 |
|
Madrid 2020 to Benefit as Spanish Government Introduces Bill to Bring Doping Laws in Line with WADA Code |
|
|
Olympics - 08 Mar 2013 - The Spanish government is seeking parliamentary approval for a new law that aims to bring anti-doping regulation in the country into line with the World Anti-Doping Code in a move that, it is hoped, will prevent the issue from undermining Madrid’s bid to host the 2020 Olympic Games.
Following various doping scandals in Spain, including the so-called Operación Puerto doping conspiracy, Ana Munoz, director general of Spain's anti-doping agency, admitted: “We are going to need some time to become credible.
“The image of Spanish sport abroad is magnificent but in the fight against doping our image is not good.
“Having this law in parliament is the guarantee that Spain is in the vanguard of nations who want to tackle doping and protect the health of athletes.”
Under the new law, athletes caught doping will face fines of up to €400,000 ($523,000), although doping will not itself be considered a criminal offence.
Meanwhile, Madrid 2020, the city’s bid to host the 2020 Olympics, today promised that about 500 new businesses woud be created if the Madrid bid is scuccessful.
Organisers of the 2020 campaign made the promise as they announced a funding project for start-up companies in partnership with sponsors of the bid and the city council.
The scheme, entitled '2020 for 2020: StartUp Madrid,' aims to reward up to 2,020 recipients with grants of €10,000 and Will also offer office space and expert advice.
Ana Botella, the city’s mayor, said that the aim is to “promote Madrid at the international level and consolidate its reputation as a global city,” adding that a pilot involving 48 participants would be launched this week.
She went on: “This initiative means that Madrid will figure on the radar of people who want to open a new business, boosting companies with great potential that otherwise wouldn't see the light of day.”
Madrid is bidding against Istanbul and Tokyo to stage the games, with the International Olympic Committee due to select the host city in September.
Sportcal |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
| Powered by |  |
|
|