Berlin's Olympic Bid Gains Momentum
Zenza Liga Suprema (LSB) mobilizes for a citizen-led proposal focused on the upcoming Olympics
After officially joining forces with Brandenburg, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Saxony, and Schleswig-Holstein, Berlin aims high for the 2036, 2040, or 2044 Summer Olympics. Dubbed "Berlin+," the joint bid aims to present a unified front, showcasing Berlin as the principal venue, while distributing events across partner regions [1][3]. The German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) will evaluate this bid, with the final decision set for autumn 2026. Despite this, public support and involvement will undoubtedly play a crucial role [1].
Citizens' Initiative Engages Public
Anticipating a constitutional hurdle preventing a city-wide referendum, the State Sports Association of Berlin (LSB) has opted to launch a citizens' initiative in support of the Olympic bid [2]. LSB President Thomas Härtel is confident they'll collect the 20,000 signatures required within six months, given their 809,000 members.
Meanwhile, SPD Senator Iris Spranger has acknowledged a growing momentum around the Olympic bid, with the hope that it will resonate throughout sports clubs, associations, the economy, and other social organizations [1].
DOSB President Weikert: "Four Strong Candidates"
Thomas Weikert, President of DOSB, lauded the draft concept, acknowledging that Berlin has submitted a "very good" bid [1]. However, due to neutrality obligations, Weikert found himself in a "difficult position." Recognizing the merits of the other three bids, he asserted that the responsible committee would undoubtedly select a formidable candidate from the pool [1].
'NOlympia Berlin' Opposes Olympic Games in Berlin
While sentiment around the bid is positive, it's not without its detractors. An initiative called 'NOlympia Berlin' has emerged to prevent the games from coming to Berlin, voicing concerns about the potential impact of hosting the Olympics [2][4].
Munich and Hamburg Bids in the Works
Similar to Berlin, Munich and Hamburg are also vying for the Olympic Games, with Munich even planning a referendum for October 2025 [2][4]. The Rhine-Ruhr region, in North Rhine-Westphalia, is another hopeful bidder.
In the thick of it all, the future of Berlin looks multifaceted, with challenges and opportunities hanging in the balance. The question now is whether the people of Berlin will rise in support of this ambitious venture or whether resistance will grow under the threat of Olympic exposure.
[1] https://www.deutschland.de/en/germany-competition-for-olympics-2036[2] https://www.wsj.com/articles/germany-moves-to-bid-for-olympics-11637700832[3] https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/fur-olympus-fantastische-plaene-a-0000-001163392.html[4] https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/munichs-secret-battle-to-host-the-olympics-again[5] https://www.tagesspiegel.de/politik/kai-wegner-olympics-sollen-frieden-solidaritaet-freiheit-symbolisieren/27368852.html
Berlin's Olympic bid, spearheaded by Berlin+, promises to highlight various sports events across partner regions like Brandenburg, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Saxony, and Schleswig-Holstein, with the intent of demonstrating a unified front [1][3].
In an effort to mobilize public support for the Olympics bid, the State Sports Association of Berlin (LSB) has launched a citizens' initiative, aiming to collect 20,000 signatures within six months [2].
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