The cities presentation to the General Assembly of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) in Lome, the capital of Togo, each tried to concentrate on what they could offer to a continent not traditionally associated with winter sports if they are awarded the Games when the International Olympic Committee (IOC) members vote at their Session on July 6. 

"Annecy wants to share its spectacular mountains, its hospitality and its passion for sport so that the 2018 Winter Games inspire the whole world, especially young people," said Charles Beigbeder (pictured), the President of Annecy 2018.

"Annecy is a bid which is open to the world and all of its peoples.

"It is because of these very principles that France was one of the first countries in the world to implement an international sporting cooperation policy, particularly in Africa.

"A long-term policy focusing on human development because we believe that sport is a key factor of economic development, a creator of social links and a way of bringing people together."

His message was endorsed by Denis Masseglia, the President of the French National Olympic and Sports Committee, who promised that they would try to help athletes from African countries get as many opportunities as possible to compete in winter sports but also promising to extend that offer to summer sports. 

"Sport and development actions, which are closely linked, are a constant preoccupation for France and its sporting movement," he told the meeting.

"They go hand in hand with education and youth and are part of a global international cooperation strategy.

"We are also planning to set up an international training centre for high-level athletes to provide them with the best of savoir-faire at the foot of the majestic Mont Blanc

"It goes without saying that African athletes will be very welcome.

"We will do our utmost to support them as we have done in the past.

"This centre will benefit a whole new generation of athletes and will increase the number of African athletes competing in winter sports.

"The centre will also provide summer sports training facilities."

Munich, meanwhile, emphasised that their development programme in Africa already stretches back half-a-century. 

Munich 2018's high-profile delegation, comprising chair Katarina Witt, German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) President Thomas Bach, and bid chief executive Bernhard Schwank were joined on stage by two guest presenters who have first hand experience of the DOSB's outreach programme.


Achim Ecke (pictured) is one of Germany's best-known international coaches anbd his friend and partner Lenwi Karba is one of Togo's most promising rising stars in managing and coaching athletics.

Speaking in French, Ecke described his work in planning, organising and running training camps all over Africa.

In Togo, he worked with Karba to train 22 Togolese athletics coaches, helping 90 per cent to achieve the International Association of Athletics Federations diploma level 2. 

"This is just one small example of all the things that we have accomplished together over the last 50 years," said Ecke.

"It shows all the strength and potential that friendship through sport can have.

"On a personal level, it allowed me to forge a deep friendship with Lenwi which I know will bind us forever."

Bach promised that by choosing Munich to host the Olympics and Paralympics it would strengthen the bond between Germany and Africa.

"I am deeply convinced that Munich 2018 will deliver great benefits to each of your NOCs (National Olympic Committees), he said.

"Let us renew our historic sports and cultural partnership through Munich 2018.

"Let us build an even stronger future together, for the benefit of millions of young Africans across the next generations.

"With your support, we are looking forward to welcoming you to our Festival of Friendship in 2018: a genuine and true celebration of the magic of the Olympic Winter Games, in an atmosphere that we will all cherish together and never, ever forget."

Pyeongchang 2018 too highlighted how its bid would help NOCs in Africa would develop more winter sports athletes and fans, and expand the overall winter sports industry in new markets.

But Yang Ho Cho, the chairman and chief executive of Pyeongchang 2018, did not make any specific promises. 

"Our vision, called 'New Horizons', is simple," he said.

"We want to help promote the Olympic Movement, and grow winter sport to new regions and connect with new audiences.

"We think that this is unique in this race for 2018, and it is something that only Pyeongchang 2018 can provide."

Cho was supported by Kim Yu-Na, the Vancouver 2010 figure skating champion, making her second international appearance on behalf of the bid having previously appeared in Lausanne last month. 

"It would be a great honour for Pyeongchang to host the Winter Games in 2018," she told the audience in Lome.

"We are committed to creating a long-term and sustainable winter sport legacy that means more winter sport athletes and fans around the world."

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