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Berlin presents "Berlin +" concept for Olympic Games, framing it as "completion of reunification"
๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Germany /Sports

Berlin presents "Berlin +" concept for Olympic Games, framing it as "completion of reunification"

From Die Zeit · () German

Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News From a news agency New plan
  • Berlin is bidding to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games with its "Berlin +" concept, emphasizing sustainability and the use of existing venues.
  • The bid involves cooperation with Saxony, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, and Brandenburg, with competitions potentially held across these states.
  • The concept aims to showcase a united Germany and is competing against bids from Munich and the Rhine-Ruhr region for the 2036, 2040, or 2044 Games.

Berlin is making a confident push to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games, presenting its "Berlin +" concept which prioritizes sustainability and the utilization of existing infrastructure. The bid emphasizes "games with short travel times," envisioning athletes competing in diverse locations, from sailing in Rostock to medal ceremonies at the Brandenburg Gate.

Our concept relies on sustainability, using existing buildings. They will be games with short travel times. Sailing in Rostock in the morning, medal ceremonies at the Brandenburg Gate in the evening. That's why our concept is unique and differs from NRW and Bavaria.

โ€” Kai WegnerThe Governing Mayor of Berlin, Kai Wegner, presented the "Berlin +" concept for hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

This ambitious plan involves collaboration with the federal states of Saxony, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, and Brandenburg, with various sporting events planned across these regions. For instance, Rostock-Warnemรผnde is slated to be the sailing venue, with a cruise ship serving as part of the Olympic Village. Brandenburg will host events like rowing and golf, while Cottbus will stage football matches and Hoppegarten will be a shooting venue.

Warnemรผnde is the Copacabana of Germany.

โ€” Stefanie DreseStefanie Drese, Sports Minister of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, commented on the suitability of Warnemรผnde as a sailing venue.

The "Berlin +" concept aims to demonstrate a "different Germany" and foster cohesion, with organizers calling it the "completion of reunification." The bid is currently in the final stages of national selection, with a digital submission due to the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) before a decision on the national representative is made on September 26.

A cruise ship in the harbor will function as part of the Olympic Village.

โ€” Eva-Maria KrรถgerThe Mayor of Rostock, Eva-Maria Krรถger, described the accommodation plans for athletes in her city.

Financially, the bid projects a โ‚ฌ4.8 billion implementation budget with expected revenues of over โ‚ฌ5.2 billion. An additional โ‚ฌ1.6 billion is allocated for infrastructure, with security costs remaining an open item. Organizers assure that the financial framework is transparent and solid, with built-in buffers for adjustments.

We are completing the reunification.

โ€” UnknownThe representatives view the concept as an opportunity to showcase a united Germany.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Die Zeit in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.