POSTED: February 8th 2011
NewsUpdate
French Prime Minister Fillon proud of nation's support for Annecy 2018
LAURA WALDEN in Annecy / Sports Features Communications
ANNECY, Feb 08: French Prime Minister Francois Fillon led his forces from the front by welcoming the 11-strong IOC evaluation commission here and proclaiming the nation's support for Annecy's bid to win host rights to the 2018 Winter Olympic Games.
Fillon and bid president Charles Beigbeder headed the welcome party including with France's IOC members Jean-Claude Killy and Guy Drut, NOC president Denis Masseglia, Annecy Mayor Jean-Luc Rigaut, and Annecy 2018's vice-presidents, Pernilla Wiberg and Jean-Pierre Vidal.
The Prime Minister expressed "a sincere desire to convince the entire world and bring home a victory." He added: "I wanted to be here because it's the best way of proving that the French government and local authorities wholeheartedly support the bid.
"All of France is behind the bid . . . It has tremendous technical qualities and is centred on two legendary hubs . . . We have everything we need to host exceptional Winter Games. Above all we have human resources. In these valleys, everyone is born with skis or skates on their feet and has a close relationship with the mountains. We have what it takes to organise a wonderful sports festival."
Fillon called for the implementation of "a true partnership in order to bring the Olympic ideal to life," and highlighted the fact that, "France is still extremely passionate about the bid. Our efforts are part of a long-term project."
Keywords · Annecy · 2018 Winter Olympics · Fillon · Beigbeder
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