The event brought together 40 sports ambassadors, more than 800 young athletes, and seven international performance artists for eight hours of family.

The festival's slogan – "Achieve something great together" – encapsulated Bavaria's collective dream of hosting the Winter Games and the Festival of Friendship spirit that will raise its celebration to a new plateau, officials claimed. 

"Today we demonstrated what we can achieve here in Germany," said Bernhard Schwank, the chief executive of Munich 2018.

"The corporate world, every level of Government and the sports community are all working hand in hand to realise our vision of a Festival of Friendship in 2018."


Among the performers was Cassandra Steen, one of Germany's top singers.

"A great show and a fantastic crowd," she said.

"You could really feel the Olympic spirit in the arena. I would be delighted to be back here at the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Munich in 2018."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
June 2011: Munich 2018 Olympic bid continues to gather momentum
June 2011: Munich 2018 to showcase passion for winter sport in special summer event
June 2011: Germany's national football team backs athlete-focused Munich 2018 bid
June 2011: Munich voted Germany's sports capital - boost for 2018 Olympic bid
May 2011: Exclusive - "You have to lobby until the very end" Coe urges 2018 bid cities