The Olympic Games Allotted to Berlin
On May 13th, 1931, the President of the International Olympic Committee, Count Baillet-Latour, officially awarded the Olympic Games of 1936 to Berlin. Not only the German Olympic Committee but the entire country greeted this announcement with jubilation.
"We have been entrusted," declared the official organ of the Reich Commission for Physical Training of May 19th, 1931, "with the only genuine world festival of our age, in fact, the only one since the beginning of time, a celebration which unites all nations and in which the hearts of all civilized peoples beat in harmony. During the Olympic fortnight, which comes every four years, the interest of the entire world is concentrated upon the results of the Olympic competition, each nation hoping for the success of its own athletes but nevertheless applauding the victor in a true sporting manner regardless of his nationality. There is no other competition between nations in which the laurels of victory are so coveted but in which, on the other hand, the spirit of combat is so honourable and friendly. These Games are the expression of a new outlook and a new youth. The world expects the German nation
to organize and present this Festival in an exemplary manner, emphasizing at the same time its moral and artistic aspects. This means that all forces must be exerted, that sacrifices of a physical as well as financial nature must be made, and there is no doubt but that all expectations will be fulfilled for the advancement of the Olympic ideals and the honour of Germany." The German Olympic Committee held a meeting on May 30th, 1931 and resolved to form an Organizing Committee as well as to cooperate with the City of Berlin in doing everything possible to ensure the success of the Games. At the same time Germany made use of her prerogative to request that the Olympic Winter Games also be awarded to her. The Olympic architect, Werner March, had in the meantime arrived at the point where his plans and models were ready for exhibition, and on July 11th, 1931 a model of the Stadium was included in the German Architectural Exhibition for the inspection of the public. Negotiations on the financing of the project and the participation of the City progressed more slowly, however, and for the time being revealed no results. This was largely due to the fact that we were in the midst of preparing for Germany's participation in the Los Angeles Olympic Games of 1932. In spite of all opposition, even from sporting and gymnastic circles, we persisted in our resolution to be represented at this Festival, since we could hope for the participation of the world in the Berlin Games only if we ourselves, even in the face of an extremely critical economic and political situation, indicated our willingness to further the Olympic cause in Los Angeles. It was also necessary to benefit from the experience which would be gained from a visit to America, the leading sporting nation of the world.