By Nick Butler

EKS will work with Kraków 2022 on its bid to host the Winter Olympics and Paralympics ©EKSJanuary 2 - Kraków has signed renowned consultancy firm Event Knowledge Services (EKS) to orchestrate its bid for the 2022 Winter Olympics and Paralympics.

Based in Switzerland, EKS was formed in 1998 as part of an effort by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to formalise the transfer of knowledge from one Olympic Games organiser to the next.

Its chief executive Craig McLatchey is one of the most respected figures in the Olympic Movement, with more than 20 years experience.

He was part of the senior leadership team for Sydney 2000 and provided strategic support services for Athens 2004, Turin 2006, Beijing 2008, Vancouver 2010 and Rio 2016, as well as for other major events including Commonwealth, Asian and Pan American Games.

Craig McLatchey was lauded for his work with the Sydney 2000 Organising Committee ©Getty ImagesCraig McLatchey was lauded for his work with the Sydney 2000 Organising Committee ©Getty Images


For his services to Sydney 2000, McLatchey was awarded the Gold Olympic Rings by then
IOC President Juan Antonio Samaranch and was made a Member of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the Australia Day Honours List 2002 for his services to the Olympic Games and sport.

McLatchey has also been involved in the bidding process for other Games, including the most recent race for the 2020 Olympics and Paralympics, when EKS was employed by Istanbul, who were beaten by Tokyo.

After beginning their bidding process at an IOC orientation seminar in Lausanne last month, the six are now answering a detailed questionnaire to be submitted next March, shortly after they attend Sochi 2014 as official observers.

The unique history and culture of Poland's second largest city is an attraction of the Kraków bid, the 2022 team claims ©Getty ImagesThe unique history and culture of Poland's second largest city is an attraction of the Kraków bid, the 2022 team claims ©Getty Images

As with the other European cities, the foremost challenge for EKS and the Kraków team is likely to involve public opposition both to the bid, and to its cost.

This was highlighted this week as Kraków's plans and projected costs attracted criticism, while there are calls for a referendum to measure public interest.

Another challenge involves the "dual nature" of the bid, as the snow events would to be held across the border in Slovakia - the IOC has never awarded an Olympics to two countries before.

However, both challenges were played down by Kraków 2022 bid leader Jagna Marczułajtis-Walczak when she told insidethegames last month that the bid is distinctly Polish but with some events held across the Slovakian border for "topographical and geographical reasons".

She also cited the strength of public and Government support, as well as the city's "big potential as a strong brand and by being well known as a cultural city".

More details about the new relationship between Kraków 2022 and EKS is due to be announced on Monday (January 6).

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