Officials hope that the new office will further strengthen its constructive dialogue with the town’s citizens, clubs and associations.

Seehofer was joined by Willy Bogner, the chief executive of Munich 2018, and Thomas Schmid, Garmisch-Partenkirchen's Mayor, with Munich 2018 sporting ambassadors Magdalena Neuner, Christian Neureuther, Rosi Mittermaier and Andrea Schöpp representing the athletes. 

The office will enable locals to ask questions and get actively involved in Munich’s bid to host the 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

Seehofer believes the Olympic Bid office will be an invaluable resource.

Schmid said: "We are pleased to have made it possible for the local population to get involved with our bid to host the 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games."

Bogner said: "As chief executive, I have always been keen to talk to the people on the ground.

"We have held numerous meetings in Garmisch-Partenkirchen and organised several informative events so far.

"However, now the new Olympic Bid office provides a permanent opportunity for citizens to ask questions and put forward their own ideas."

Munich’s application to host the 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games reflects the region’s enduring affinity with winter sports and its focus on protecting the environment in which winter sports are held, Bogner claimed.

The Games concept is based on sustainability and the short distances between innovative sports venues and its environmentally friendly Olympic Villages in Munich and Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

Ice sport will be staged in Munich while Alpine events will be in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.


Related stories
May 2010: Munich 2018 appoints Bruckner as new marketing director
May 2010: Germany's Interior Minister joins Munich 2018 Board
April 2010: Munich 2018 secure land for Olympic Village
April 2010: Bavarian Prime Minister hails medallists as "fantastic ambassadors" for Munich
March 2010: Munich 2018 launch chance for local companies to back Olympic bid