Italy 'strong candidate' 2024 Olympics

(ANSA) Rome, May 22 - Italy is a "strong candidate" to play host to the 2024 Olympic games in Rome, International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach told Italian President Sergio Mattarella Friday.
    "Italy's candidature is strong because of its history, both that of the country and its sporting history," Bach said on arrival at a meeting of the Committee promoting Rome's candidature for the 2024 sporting extravaganza, which was attended by the head of state.
    "I wish you good luck for your candidature, I congratulate you for your commitment, continue like that," Bach said.
    Speaking after the projection of a video about the Olympic games held at Rome in 1960, Bach said "I have many memories of the 1960 Olympic Games because it was my first Olympic experience".
    "I remember (American gold medallist) Wilma Rudolph well and her special Olympic path ... your candidature is very strong both because of your history and because of your rich Olympic history and also because you have so many representatives in the organisation of international sport".