The new slogan captures what Russians imagine every day. This is the dream of demonstrating before a global audience just how much their country has grown and changed, and how much it can now offer the world. Moscow.

It aims at putting across the desire of Russians to partner with the Olympic Family to realise that dream, and crown a decade that has heralded social, political and economic freedom unprecedented in scale and timeframe.

As many as 99 per cent of Muscovites and 89 per cent of all Russians want the 2012 Games in their capital. ‘Imagine It Now’ will be the uniting theme for all the activities to promote Moscow’s candidature that will take place in Russia until 15 November and thereafter around the world until 6 July 2005. On that day, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) will select the 2012 host city.

Moscow deputy mayor Valeri Shantsev added, "The slogan ‘Imagine It Now’ demonstrates the passion of the Russian people to show the world the new nation. It embodies the spirit of Moscow as a beacon for a better future – a spirit that is very much in keeping with the Olympic ideals. Hosting the 2012 Games would surely play a major role in the continuing rejuvenation and growth of our capital and country."