JEDDAH, 9 June 2005 — The report by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Evaluation Commission on Paris as favorite to host the XXX Olympiad in 2012 was based on the information provided to the commission and which it described as a “very high quality”, according to a press release issued by French Consulate to Arab News yesterday.
Although the 123-page technical report provides no official ranking, Paris — which hosted the Games in 1900 and 1924 — is ahead in the most illustrious bidding field in Olympic history, the statement said.
“Paris is more than ever determined to demonstrate its commitment- with one sole objective in mind - to win the honor to be appointed host city for the Games of 2012.
“The evaluation commission’s report stressed the ‘very high quality’ of our bid’s plan.”
With only 30 days to go before the IOC members vote, the French support and “Amour des Jeux” is stronger than ever as over a million people went to the Champs-Elysses to express their “love of the Games”. The famous Paris avenue hosted shows presented by former Olympic champions like Marie-Jose Perec and Sports Minister Jean-Francois Lamour.
People were invited to run on an athletics tracks, test themselves at shot put or experience fencing in support of the 2012 Games.
The report stressed that Paris’ transportation system is “extensive, well-maintained and operated.”
Paris can also rely on the experience acquired by French sports officials in organizing the 1998 soccer World Cup and the 2003 athletics world championships at the Stade de France. The Paris has strong popular support with more than 80 percent of the French saying that hosting the Games in 2012 would be good for both the capital and the rest of the country.
