Madrid first stop for 2012 Olympic inspectors

AFP, February, 2005

MADRID (AFP) — The IOC's evaluation commission arrived in Madrid - the first port of call in its tour of the five cities vying to stage the 2012 Olympic Games.

The 12-strong commission, which will spend four days in the Spanish capital, is led by 1984 Olympic women's 400m hurdle champion Nawal El Montawakel.

After Madrid the commission will visit London (February 16-19), New York (Feb 21-24), Paris (March 9-12) and Moscow (March 14-17).

The Olympic inspectors, who include Namibian sprinter Frankie Fredericks and Patrick Jarvis, the Canadian president of the Paralympic Committee, were met off their flight from Geneva by members of Madrid's bid committee.

During their stay the commission will look at Madrid's plans focusing on budget, security and...