By Duncan Mackay

 

November 20 - The framework document which will form the basis for the "mini bid book" has been approved by the Munich 2018 Bid Committee coordinating the campaign for the German city aiming to become the first to host both the Summer and Winter Olympics, it was announced today.

 

The document, which must be presented to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in March next year, focuses on eight separate subject areas and will be worked-up to become the full bid book that will be the cornerstone of Munich's pitch to host the Olympics and Paralympics.

 

Thomas Bach, President of the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) and vice-president of the IOC, said he was delighted with the progress Munich has made.

 

He said: "The foundations for the mini bid-book are now in place and I am convinced we will present the IOC with an excellent initial set of application documents."

 

Willy Bogner, the chairman of Munich 2018, said: "We now have four months to produce a persuasive mini bid-book that meets international guidelines. 

 

"But it is important that we should take the population of Munich, our region and Germany with us on the way and answer people’s questions and concerns as they arise."

 

The framework document had previously been approved by Munich City Council, emphasising the broad-based support for the application.

 

Munich's Lord Mayor Christian Ude said: "The very good reason for the approval is that the winter Games offer the  perfect stage on which to shine internationally through a sporting event based on an environmentally friendly concept."

 

 

 

If Munich is chosen ahead of rivals Pyeongchang and Annecy when the IOC chooses the city for 2018 at its Session in Durban on July 6, 2011, it will make history having already hosted the 1972 Summer Olympics.

 

Bavarian Prime Minister Horst Seehofer said: "Approval of the key points of Munich’s application puts us in a position to deliver a convincing application.

 

"Staging the 2018 winter Games will offer Bavaria great potential for growth and employment, and will significantly boost winter tourism.
 

"We want to present Bavaria as a hospitable, cosmopolitan region and a magnificent stage for the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games."

 

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]

 

 

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