Summary of Annecy 2018 Final Presentation to the IOC

Durban, South Africa -

[Following is an unedited synopsis of the Annecy 2018 Presentation]

The Annecy 2018 presentation was the second to the IOC on Wednesday.

Guy Drut, French IOC member took the podium.

“Strong rivals, two cities that are capable of hosting great Games.”

“Your choice is not between three very different cities of three very different countries”

“It is about the future.”

“Annecy will stage Games true to its original spirit.”

Denis Masseglia, President of French NOC, took the podium and spoke in French.

“We have contributed to the development and global growth of the Olympic Games.”

“Annecy 2018 is France’s fourth bid in 14 years.”

“We are delighted that Annecy 2018 has the total support of all level of governments.”

Charles Beigbeder, bid CEO, spoke in English and French on the podium.

“I learned to ski in these mountains, the slopes and après ski … incredible places, and all so close to Lausanne.”

“We look forward to work closely together (with IOC) from tomorrow morning for the next seven years.”

“We will stage a great party, but it will be a party with an important and real purpose.”

He discussed the three guiding principles – a Games in the mountains;  a Games on a human scale and; provide a blueprint for the mountains in the 21st century.

Olympic Champion Jean-Pierre Vidal took the podium and spoke in French about the plans for the athletes.

“The principles of Olympism is our lifeblood.”

Pernilla Wiberg, Olympic Champion, spoke in English about the athlete experience.

“The average journey will be at most 40 minutes.”

Olympic ice dancer also spoke in English with Wiberg

The Mayor of Annecy Jean-Luc Rigaut spoke in French and in English.

He spoke about the cultural and entertainment options in Annecy as well as the available infrastructure.

“People with knowledge and passion will fuel the Games.  Real mountain people.”

A video was shown showcasing the French Alps and the people who live and work there – exhibiting their expertise and “authenticity”.

Chantal Jouanno, Federal Sport Minister, took the podium next and spoke in English.

She spoke of previous successful major sporting events hosted in the recent past, and outlined various international products by the French.

France will have a legacy of an international training centre.

“We will promote your Olympic values.”

Prime Minister Francois Fillon took the podium and spoke in French and English.

“The host city must have a soul.”

“The best events are those that are supported by the magic of the environment of the site.”

“I have the same dream as you do, I share it.  I dream of a Games with Passion.”

“This is the flame that Annecy 2018 promises to keep alive.”

“Annecy 2018 is an authentic bid.”

“France is ready to take up the challenge.”

Fillon thanked members of the evaluation commission that he met in February in Annecy.

Kevin Rolland, Half-Pipe Ski Champion took the podium and spoke in English.

“Today, there might be new sports, but the welcome of our mountain remains exactly the same.”

“Everyone knows the French Alps is where it all began.”

A film was shown with everyday people around the world dreaming about and imagining snow and ice, sport and the mountains.

French IOC member Jean-Claude Killy took the podium speaking in English and French.

“For months I have witnessed this team working tirelessly with energy and attention.”

He spoke about the history and value of iconic Mount Blanc.

“Olympism belongs to those who love it.”

The presentation concluded within time constraints.

Sergei Bubka asked about the global heritage of the Games.

Prince Albert asked for a single message coming from the Annecy team.

Adam Pengilly asked how Annecy would fill the stadiums.

Beigbeder said the legacy would be facilities and Olympism .

“We want the Games to be stronger and stronger … there is competition.”

“The second mission is to inspire.”

“We offer the best of France.”

“So you can stage spectacular Games … so you can transmit the values of sport.”

“What we are offering to the athletes is this international training centre.”

Chantal Jouanno commented on full stadiums.

“90% of the French population support the bid.”