Pau Gasol

MADRID—Madrid’s 2020 Olympic bid committee has appointed Los Angeles Lakers star Pau Gasol as one of their spokesmen. On Tuesday, August 27, the committee said Gasol is one of Spain’s most well known athletes.

Gasol, a two-time Olympic silver medalist, will address the international Olympic committee during Madrid’s final presentation in Buenos Aires next month. Madrid is in the running for the spot to host the 2020 summer games with Tokyo and Istanbul. The IOC will deliver its decision in Argentina on September 7.

Spain has been in recession for the past four years and has a 26.3 percent unemployment rate. Bringing the Olympic Games to Madrid would help the already declining economy.

By Luis Cuevas