Mayor of Liverpool, George Paciullo, and the Secretary General of the Italian Olympic Committee, Raffaele Pagnozzi, have signed an agreement making Liverpool the official host City for Italy’s Olympic Team for the Sydney 2000 Games.
The Memorandum of Understanding between Liverpool and the Italian Team provides for the construction of a secure, purpose built 20 house Olympic Village for the Olympians, and Paralympians.
In addition, a fleet of vehicles to be placed at the team’s disposal, and 40 guides will assist the Team during their stay. Councillor Paciullo said the decision to base the Italian team in Liverpool will bring long term economic and tourism benefits to the City through international media and word of mouth exposure.
“The Italian Olympic Committee’s choice of Liverpool as its official Games headquarters is a tremendous coup for our City and our region,” he said. Following the agreement, Liverpool has appointed an Olympic Executive Officer, Damien Perusco, to steer the City’s Olympic program.
He said Liverpool will look for ways to make the Team’s visit as enjoyable as possible. This includes promoting interaction with the local Italian community, whom he said the team are looking forward to meeting.
Club Marconi, in nearby Bankstown, described by Damien as Australia’s premier Italian club, will provide the host venue for social events during the stay.
Damien’s role is not just about hosting the Team. “Liverpool is the hub of the south west precinct and we are looking to make the Olympic experience as exciting and pleasurable for residents of this region as possible,” he said.
For further information contact Damien Perusco, telephone (02) 9821 9563.
