Italy Announces Rome Will Bid To Host '24 Summer Games

Italy today announced that Rome will be a candidate to host the '24 Summer Games, a decision that comes "two years after the government scrapped plans to bid" for the '20 Games "because of financial reasons." The new bid comes with Italy's economy "still stagnant and amid a widening corruption scandal in the capital." Italy's planned '20 bid was withdrawn after then-Premier Mario Monti "refused to provide financial backing at a time of economic crisis" (AP, 12/15).

Meanwhile, '16 Rio Games organizers announced that the Olympic mascot will be named Vinicius, while the Paralympics mascot will be dubbed Tom. The names "honor Brazilian musicians and partners Vinicius de Moraes and Tom Jobim" (AP, 12/15).