More than 1,000 delegates from over 200 countries will watch each bid cities 20 minute presentation at the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) in the Fairmont Acapulco Princess Hotel here.

Pyeongchang is most people's favourites at the moment but previous contests have demonstrated how much the race can change once the international presentations begin.

Representatives of the International Olympic Committee's Evaluation Commission are due to visit the bid cities in February and March next year ahead of a final decision at the IOC Session in Durban on July 6.

Munich used the eve of today's presentation to unveil a new bid slogan, combining Germany's heritage of celebrating athletic and cultural excellence with the warmth of traditional Bavarian hospitality.

German officials hope to capitalise on its proud history of hosting international winter sports events.

Already, in 2010, Germany has staged 15 World Cups and World Championships in sports included in the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

Katarina Witt, Chair of the Munich 2018 Bid Committee, said: "We have a clear vision for the Winter Games in Munich in 2018: welcoming the world to Munich for a 'Festival of Friendship'.

"Our passionate and knowledgeable fans, and the unique Bavarian winter sports experience, will enable Munich to invite the Olympic family and all its guests to a WinterFest in 2018.

"This will be one of the most vibrant and celebratory atmospheres in the history of winter sports.

"Germany celebrated the 2006 FIFA World Cup with millions of fans from all over the world and Munich hopes, once again, to spread our unrivalled passion for sport, on home soil, at the Winter Games in 2018."

Bernhard Schwank, chief executive of the Munich 2018 Bid Committee, shared Witt's enthusiasm.

He said: "We are determined to emphasise the core strengths of our bid through our promise during the presentation to the Olympic family.

"The Munich 2018 'Festival of Friendship' will be a SportsFest, delivering one of the most athlete-friendly Games ever; a FriendFest, celebrating the Olympic family and its values; and a FutureFest, ensuring sustainable benefit to future generations.

"Munich 2018 hopes to host the greatest celebration in winter sports history, befitting the prestige of the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games."

Annecy, meanwhile, hope to continue their recent consolidation by unveiling, internationally for the first time, their new plans.

Edgar Grospiron, the chief executive,  is keen especially to emphasise the enthusiastic engagement of several champions in key technical commissions for Annecy 2018. 



Grospiron has been busily courting support here, including from Horacio De La Vega (pictured right), who represented Mexico in modern pentathlon at the 1996 and 2000 Olympics and is now the marketing director for the Guadalajara 2011 Pan-Am Games.
 
De la Vega said: "I lived and studied in Lyon in France and I therefore have had the chance to witness firsthand the French passion for winter sport and know-how in organizing major sport events.

"Annecy 2018 is led by Champions who are passionate about the Games.

"I hope they will win the right to host the 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games for a fantastic celebration of sport and inclusion in the heart of the French Alps.

"I am impressed by the commitment from the greatest French Champions behind Annecy's Bid.

"These champions gave their best during competitions and today they demonstrate the same passion, winning spirit, hard work and focus to bring the Winter Games to France.

"Their involvement is a true asset for the French bid and I am sure that Team Annecy 2018 will be very convincing in front of the Olympic Family."
 
Grospiron said: "All along our Olympic campaign, we are listening and learning from athletes and Olympic Family members of all horizons to make sure we include and fully answer their needs.

"Annecy 2018 especially aims to offer athletes with the best possible stage to perform in a fun and friendly environment."

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