The Spanish lower chamber (Cortes) offered its official vote of support to its capital city’s Olympic bid as the country attempts to host the Games for the first time since Barcelona put on such a successful event in 1992.

 

Madrid is one of four contenders alongside Chicago, Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo for the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2016.

 

In a statement voted through the Cortes, the Spanish political establishment declared its full support for Madrid's bid, their second consecutive attempt to host the Games, having been beaten by London in the race to stage the 2012 Olympics.

 

It said: "As representatives of the citizens of Spain, the Congress of Deputies considers the Olympic Games to be a cultural and sporting manifestation of the highest order which constitutes an expression of peace and understanding between towns and humanity.

 

"To host a Games will not only be an honour for Madrid, but for the whole Spanish people."

 

Present in the Cortes to as the vote went through were Mayor of Madrid, Alberto Ruiz-Gallardón, Deputy Mayor Manuel Cobo, Madrid 2016 bid leader Mercedes Coghen, and socialist spokesperson David Lucas.

 

Coghen said: "The Madrid bid has full support from all areas of Spanish life and culture – everyone from citizens in the street through companies and the King and Government back us in trying to bring the Games to Madrid.

 

“This vote of support from the Parliament shows how all politicians are behind us, regardless of part or affiliation.

 

"All of Spain wants the 2016 Games."

 

The successful candidate city will be announced by the International Olympic Committee at its Session in Copenhagen on October 2, 2009.