Olympics 2008 News
De Maiziere: alpine worlds can raise Munich's Olympic confidence
Feb 8, 2011, 15:47 GMT
Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany - The successful start of the alpine ski world championships can boost Munich's confidence to host the 2018 Winter Olympics, German Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere said on Tuesday.
De Maiziere told reporters that Monday's opening ceremony and Tuesday's first race, the women's super-g, should give the bid 'important confidence.'
However, de Maiziere also said it will take more than the smooth running of the ski season highlight in Garmisch-Partenkirchen to convince the International Olympic Committee to elect Munich on July 6 ahead of Pyeongchang of South Korea and France's Annecy.
Garmisch is to host the alpine and Nordic skiing events if Munich lands the Games. German Chancellor Angela Merkel as well as De Maiziere attended Monday's opening ceremony of the worlds.
De Maiziere acknowledged that Olympic fever is yet to reach the area, but he spoke of 'big support' despite an ongoing dispute with some 60 landowners and farmers, who don't want to make their terrain available for the Games.
De Maiziere expressed his belief that the conflict can be solved locally and also referred to plans from local authorities not to carry out dispossessions.
Read more about 2018
Read more about AlpineSki Worlds
Read more about Germany
Read more about Olympics
COMMENT
blog comments powered by DisqusLatest Headlines in Olympics 2008
- 1. IOC hails London Olympic preparations on last inspection tour
- 2. Greek leg of Olympic torch to go ahead despite economic crisis
- 3. Royal opening assured for London Olympics - strike threat condemned
- 4. Cool Runnings 2.0: Panama set for Olympic bobsleigh in 2014
- 5. IndiA government demands Dow's removal as Olympics sponsor
Older Talkback
