2005 Duisburg: Over Budget And Happy

In the final tallies, and despite all eforts to deliver the most cost-efficient games, the managing directors of World Games 2005 Ltd. had to announce a deficit of 1.5 million ' as they presented the balance sheets to the press.

'The endeavor was still worth it,' Mayor Sauerland declared before journalists. 'We were able to improve Duisburg's image. And we will be able to be proud of our efforts for many years to come.'

21.4 million ' on the expenditure side were offset by revenues totaling only 19.9 million '. Peter Langner, who was responsible for the finances, put the 1.5 million ' deficit in its perspective. 'In our final budget, drawn up at 14 months out, we had assessed some of the costs too low.'

Items like the opening ceremony (1.6 million ') and the transport of the participants athletes (1.5 million ') were among the most expensive.

The City of Duisburg will assume the deficit. However, Langner announced that he will soon start conversations with the sports ministries of North Rhine-Westphalia and the federal government. 'With the successful World Games we have also made many friends everywhere.'