POSTED: August 16th 2010
NewsUpdate
French youth targeted by Annecy in legacy scheme to back up 2018 winter bid
SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT / Sports Features Communications
SINGAPORE/ANNECY, Aug 16: Annecy is hoping to mobilise a million French youngsters in the bid to win hosting rights to the 2018 Winter Olympic Games - in which it is faces German and South Korean challenges from Munich and PyeongChang respectively.
Bid ceo Edgar Gospiron, a former hold medallist, explained the concept by saying: "Hosting in 2018 would give us the chance to launch a social and educational project based on genuine values – hosting Games that are local, in the heart of the mountains, where everyone is close by, sharing in the experience and of course with a focus on sustainable development and a different way of preserving the mountains."
Grospiron, Olympic moguls champion in 1992, was speaking on his arrival in Singapore to attend the Youth Olympic Games.
Using the YOG as an illustration, Annecy ambassador Antoine Deneriaz added: "The Games here are confirmation that we are heading in the right direction with our bid. Young people need to be at the heart of our project – they are our greatest asset, here in Singapore, in Annecy, in France and throughout the world.
The 2006 Olympic downhill champion added: "We need to give young people the opportunity to show how creative, energetic and dynamic they are.
"The first Youth Olympics have been a great success for the Olympic movement and for sport in general, and they are an incredible opportunity for young people to gain a unique experience in terms of excellence, friendship and respect – exactly the values that need to be developed, marketed and passed on by our local youngsters.”
The International Olympic Committee decides on hosting identity in Session in Durban next July.
Keywords · Annecy · 2018 Winter Olympics
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