The vote of confidence is a significant one, coming as it does from the association promoting the interests of 271 cities and communities across Bavaria.

But chairman of the Sports Commission and Mayor of Neu-Ulm, Gerold Noerenberg, claims that Munich hosting the Olympics - and becoming the first city in history to host both the Summer and Winter Games - would impact on the whole of Germany.

"The whole country would benefit from the spirit of the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games," he said. 

Earlier this month, the Bavarian Parliament ratified plans that pave the way for up to $222 million investment in competition sites and accommodation and $55.5 million in environmental projects should Munich 2018’s bid be successful.

After a positive opening debate, the Bavarian Parliament is now expected to follow the example of the city councils of Munich and Garmisch-Partenkirchen and vote overwhelmingly in favour of Munich 2018’s Candidature City File.

"The strong support we are receiving from the Bavarian City Council showcases the broad spectrum of enthusiastic support from every sphere of German society for Munich’s bid to host the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in 2018," said Katarina Witt, the chair of Munich 2018.

"We have an exciting month ahead, with our first international presentations to the Olympic family at the Association of National Olympic Committees General Assembly fast approaching, and this news will give our preparations a great boost.

"An Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Bavaria would reach out far beyond Bavaria’s own borders and unite the whole of the nation in welcoming the Olympic family to a unique celebration of winter sports in 2018."

Munich now hopes that its bid is beginning to gather momentum following a series of problems that culminated in the departure of Willy Bogner as chief executive due to ill-health.
 
"The 1972 Olympic Games in Munich demonstrated that the Games can leave a positive and sustainable legacy," said Bernhard Schwank (pictured), Bogner's replacement.

"Our intention is to build on that legacy even further and create an Olympic heritage for Munich, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, the Berchtesgadener Land and for the entire country."

It has put the team in good heart as they left today for Acapulco, where they will be giving a presentation to the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) next Thursday (October 21).

Witt and Schwank will be joined by the Mayor of Munich and deputy chairman of the Munich 2018 Supervisory Board, Christian Ude and President of the German Olympic Committee (DOSB) and chairman of the Munich 2018 Shareholders’ Assembly, Thomas Bach.

"The ANOC General Assembly will provide us with the perfect launch pad for this next critical phase in Munich 2018’s campaign," said Witt, who also plans to unveil a new slogan for the bid uring the trip.

"We are here to learn more of the needs of the NOCs.

"But we are also here to build on the incredible momentum we have created domestically, with the chance to generate the same enthusiasm throughout our key international audiences.

"Munich 2018 comes to Mexico with a powerful story to share with the Olympic Movement."

Munich is currently thought to be trailing the favourites Pyeongchang but Schwank believes that Acapulco gives them the ideal opportunity to begin closing the gap by beginning to articulate their message internationally.

"One of the primary objectives of Munich 2018 is to provide optimal conditions for elite athletic performance," he said.

"We want Munich 2018 to be the most athlete-friendly Games ever, by uniting flawless logistical planning and infrastructure with truly world-class facilities.

"To ensure this, it is crucial we communicate effectively with the National Olympic Committees.

"The next few days here will give us a great platform to share our vision and to learn how best to meet and exceed the expectations of the NOCs and, most importantly, their athletes."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected] 


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