It's the final spurt: at the end of next week, on Sunday, April 19 to be precise, it will be decided whether Aachen will bid for the 2036, 2040 or 2044 Olympic and Paralympic Games as part of the Cologne.Rhine.Ruhr region. The people in the participating cities - including here in Aachen - have it in their own hands whether they want to welcome "the whole world" to Aachen and experience spectacular sporting moments right on their doorstep. In Aachen, the bid relies entirely on existing sports facilities and short distances - in other words, sustainable games. The Olympic equestrian competitions are to be held in the Soers and soccer matches are also planned for the legendary Tivoli.

In order to have the broadest possible backing, a referendum is currently being held in all 17 cities that are to host the event. All Aachen residents who are entitled to vote have received a self-explanatory voting form in the post over the past few weeks. So anyone who still has the letter on their hall dresser or desk at home is asked to take the last small hurdle now: Simply fill it out, "bag" it correctly and send it back to the City of Aachen.

Anyone who cannot make it to the postbox in time by Wednesday can also post their letter to the administrative buildings and district offices in the boroughs by Friday, April 17, 1 pm. A last-minute final is also possible: anyone who drops their documents in the letterbox at the electoral office at Blücherplatz 43 by 4 pm on Sunday will still be included in the overall ranking.

All information about the city council referendum and the planned Olympic and Paralympic Games: www.aachen.de/ratsbürgerentscheid and www.aachen.de/olympia