演讲内容
Invite to the podium.
The world champion, 2 time Olympic silver medalist. 2 time NBA champion. Mr. Pau Gasol.
PAU GASOL:
Thanks. Thanks Victor. President Rogge. And IOC members.
Ladies. Gentlemen. Good afternoon.
Before I begin, I just want to share with you. This is a very special moment for me.
Even though I play many prominent finals in my career, I am honoured and a little bit nervous at the same time to speak in front of all of you, the members of IOC.
You know a call in the middle of the night it isn’t always good news.
A while ago, I woke up in the LA to see the message from a Spanish phone number.
I ignored it for a few hours, because I was afraid it might be bad news. Later I finally listened to the message and I'm glad I did.
It was a crowned-princess Spain, Seriously.
His royal highness left a message ask me to help Madrid Olympic bid. I must say I was thrilled to accept.
I was pleased to participate in the last three Olympic Games and I hope I have a chance to continue to represent my country in the realm as well.
In spite of my success at professional athlete in the NBA, nothing in my life has ever be a thrilling and as humbling as representing my country for the Olympic Games.
I grow up in a small city that is known for its Rugby tradition. By the way, I hear there is a few Rugby players in here today.
I was a very skinny kid growing up. Some kids used to call me Spaghetti. So I wasn’t exactly fitted for Rugby. Luckily for me, I had a natural talent to play basketball. And I started being pretty good at it. As they say, the rest is history. So I was thinking about, what would I say to you today. What left for me to talk about that you have’nt already heard. I decided to tell you a story. A story that hasn’t happened yet. I am looking forward to have children someday. And I often wonder what type of parent would I be? What type of kids will I have? Well, for one thing, I have a pretty good feeling that they are gonna be tall.
I do know that I would involve my kids to sport from the earliest possible age. And I say this because Sport teaches us how to compete and you also learn lots of very important values that are key for our children. Sport makes us better people.
Dear members: If I can leave you with one thought today. From me at least, I would say this.
Madrid 2020 understands that Sport is a human right. And that every kid in the world deserves a chance to play. If you choose Madrid today, and I sincerely hope that you do. You know, I know. That you will find no safer home for the 2020 games. No greater partners for the next 7 years for the people of Spain.
Mucha Gracias.
It was a honour in addressing you here today.
And now, I’d like to welcome my dear friend. 2 time gold medalist Theresa Zabell.