Fed: Pell looks forward to Pope's visit=2

AAP General News (Australia)
08-21-2005
Fed: Pell looks forward to Pope's visit=2

Cardinal Pell expressed his gratitude to all those who worked hard to make Sydney's
bid a success.

"Our bid reflected the substantial preparatory work we undertook before making a decision
to propose Sydney as a host city for World Youth Day," he said.

"I am particularly grateful for the strong support of the federal and state governments,
and the City Council."

NSW Tourism Minister Sandra Nori, also in Cologne as a member of the 25 member Sydney
Observation Team for this year's WYD, said a task force, similar to the one set up for
the Rugby World Cup, would be set up to work out the finer details of the event.

"We've been able to speak to all the relevant authorities here (in Cologne) so we'll
be able to pick up a lot from here and then marry that up to our expertise from the Olympics
and Rugby World Cup," Ms Nori said.

"The Olympics and the Rugby World Cup have put us in a good position to actually put
up our hands and say we would like to host a major event."

NSW Premier Morris Iemma said the event, which is expected to generate a $68 million
boost to the NSW economy, would be centred around Sydney's Olympic Park.

"I am proud and excited that Sydney has this opportunity," he said.

"Success in securing events like this one is part of the Olympic dividend. We've shown
the world we have the infrastructure and the expertise to make these big events a great
success."

In its short history, WYD has become the world's largest international gathering of young people.

The event in Sydney will be the 10th international celebration of WYD and the first in Oceania.

AAP ved/cjh/jlw

KEYWORD: YOUTH AUST PELL 2 SYDNEY REOPENS

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