The French Prime Minister Francois Fillion has committed $2.7 billion to host the 2018 Winter Olympic Games in the town of Annecy dispelling suggestions that the bid lacks support at home.
The French Prime Minister Francois Fillion has committed $2.7 billion to host the 2018 Winter Olympic Games in the town of Annecy dispelling suggestions that the bid lacks support at home.
”The bid is a national priority for France and Government is determined to make it work,”he said.
He told the IOC members in Durban, South Africa, that 90% of the French population is backing the event and the grandstands would be full of cheering fans at the world famous resorts.
Annecy has been plagued by demonstrations by locals opposed to the Games but the bid team dismissed those problems today.
“Visitors will fall in love with the local people. It will be a beautiful all round celebration that will live in the athlete’s hearts for years.”
Jean Claude Killy the legendary skier and IOC member spoke about the need to renew and rejuvenate, “the IOC demands this of host cities, this is what Annecy will offer to the world,” he said.
They have promised to create an international training centre for athletes in Annecy.
Annecy reminded the IOC members that the Alps are world famous and steeped in history and provide better skiing conditions than the other candidates, Munich and Pyeongchang in Korea.
“We will offer a true sporting challenge in an exceptional mountain setting. We will stage an authentic Games at the world’s number one destination for winter sport.”
Annecy is proposing two clusters of venues at the foot of the famous Mt Blanc only 45 minutes apart. They are promoting the fact that world renowned resorts like Chamonix and La Plague will host events.
They are planning an Olympic village for the athletes only ten minutes from some of the venues.
Long travel times between venues for athletes and spectators has been an issue that has worked against host cities in the past.
Annecy is planning to put snow and ice events virtually side by side.
“In 2018 we will bring snow and ice back together,” they said. “Local communities will provide the warmest welcomes in a very compact setting”.
The final presentation will come from Pyeongchang with an decision expected around midnight AEST.
Mike Tancred
AOC - Durban
