On June 22nd, the International Olympic Committee announced the list of candidate cites for the organisation of the 23rd Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2018.
Munich (Germany), Annecy (France), and PyeongChang (South Korea)* have been officially named "candidate cities". It is with pride and determination that Annecy is facing this last competition phase. One year of international competition now remains until the election of the 2018 Olympic Games host city, on June 6th, 2011 in Durban, South Africa.
The Annecy 2018 delegation, present in Lausanne on June 22nd, invited by the IOC -Edgar GROSPIRON, CEO, Jean-Luc RIGAUT, Mayor of Annecy, Perrine PELEN, Sports ambassador, and Jean-Pierre MOUGIN, Secretary-General of the French NOC- learned of the decision with great joy and pride.
"It is foremost an honour and also a great pride to learn that the IOC has selected Annecy as a candidate city for the organisation of the 2018 Games. The IOC considers that we have great potential to organise the 2018 Winter Olympics. Of course, we will immediately take into account the IOC’s recommendations concerning the general implantation of the venues", announced Jean-Luc RIGAUT.
"We thank the IOC for studying our applicant file and are conscious of the high level of their expectations!" was the enthusiastic answer of Edgar GROSPIRON, Olympic Champion and CEO of Annecy 2018, following the IOC announcement.
"We are leading the French Olympic project and France’s ambition to be a major player on international scene, in terms of sports events organisation. Our project was created taking into account a network of resorts and promoting the diversity of the venues throughout our region. We are more determined than ever to do everything possible to offer exceptional Games, in the heart of the mountains, serving the Olympic ideal. Therefore, we are working on readjusting our project, as suggested by the IOC. Thanks to the great potential of our region, first winter sports destination in the world, we have the possibility to rapidly offer a solution which will come closer to the IOC’s desires. In the meantime, tomorrow everyone will celebrate this decision in Annecy during the Olympic Day festivities."
"We have 1 year to convince! One of the three cities will host the Olympic Games in 2018! Everything is possible. What counts is the final vote on July 6t.h. We will tackle this ultimate step with a desire for excellence which will send us across the finish line in the lead." adds Perrine PELEN, Olympic medallist and Annecy 2018 ambassador.
"The June 22nd decision puts all the candidates back at the starting line! We will pick up the pace for the home stretch!" emphasized Jean-Pierre MOUGIN, Secretary General of the French NOC.
For more information contact: Alexandra Carraz at alexandra.carraz@annecy-2018.fr
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