The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has confirmed plans to award the hosting rights for its 2024 and 2028 summer Olympics at the same time.
Los Angeles and Paris originally submitted bids for the 2024 Games only. However, prior to the final announcement on September 13 in Lima, Peru, the IOC, LA 2024 and Paris 2024 committees will attempt to arrive at a decision regarding which city will be named as the host of the Games in 2024 and 2028.
If no decision is reached, then a vote will be held in Lima to establish the host city for the 2024 Olympics only.
It has been reported that the French capital, which has not hosted the Olympics since 1924, is the favourite for the 2024 Games.
Shortly after the decision was announced, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo signalled their desire to reach an agreement by making a surprise joint appearance before the Session to thank IOC Members.
Both competing parties then went on to make presentations to IOC members today (Wednesday), before later hosting news conferences.
According to the Associated Press news agency, Garcetti said: “We look forward to working together maybe not in competition but collaboration with Paris.”
“In Olympic history, there’s only been 37 times in which there has been a tie for a gold medal. Maybe today is the 38th.
“For Los Angeles, it’s a golden opportunity; one that we don’t take lightly.”
Hidalgo said: “We are all at the disposition and by the side of the IOC, which was right to ask itself this question.
“I am fully committed with the Paris team to putting all my energy, our creativity and my resolve into reaching an agreement for Paris to experience once again this Olympic adventure that it has been longing for 100 years.”
IOC president Thomas Bach called the decision a “golden opportunity” for everyone involved.
He said: “Ensuring the stability of the Olympic Games for 11 years is something extraordinary.
“That is why we say this is a great day for the Olympic Games and the Olympic Movement, and it’s a great day also for these two wonderful cities – these two great Olympic cities.”
Image: Scazon
Share this