BTN News: The International Olympic Committee (IOC) met in Paris and gave the 2030 Winter Olympics to the French Alps. However, this decision needs approval from the future French government. The bid had already been accepted by the IOC’s Executive Board in June, after the recommendation of its Future Host Commission. But the assembly’s vote was necessary to finalize the decision. The proposal was widely supported, with 84 members voting in favor and only four against.
President Macron Strongly Advocates for the French Alps Project
President Emmanuel Macron led the French team to present the project at the Palace of Congresses in Paris. He highlighted that this event would build on the plans for the 2024 Olympics. Macron said, “This will be a unique chance to move forward with our ongoing plans for 2024, keeping our innovative spirit.” He assured that the future French government would provide the needed guarantees and mentioned plans for a new Olympic law to support these Games.
Approval Requires Necessary Guarantees from the Future Government
The approval is conditional and depends on the future French government providing a guarantee for the event’s execution. Also, confirmation of public funding from the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur regions, and the national government, is needed. The new Prime Minister must sign these guarantees by October, with parliamentary approval needed by March 2025.
Macron showed confidence in the future of the Winter Games and the French mountains, noting past investments in the Alps and the Pyrenees. He emphasized that the 2030 Games would be “a unique chance to speed up our plans and ensure sustainable development for our mountain regions.”
Commitment to Sustainable Development and Timely Completion of the Project
President Macron promised full commitment from himself and the French nation to the project, ensuring timely and budget-conscious execution. “We are united to make this bid a success. We delivered with Paris and will do the same in 2030. You can count on us,” he assured.
David Lappartient, president of the French Olympic Committee, acknowledged the reality of climate change and its impact on planning the Games. He highlighted France’s strong transport network in the Alps, the legacy of the 1992 Albertville Games, and their experience in hosting numerous competitions. “We have the world’s largest skiing area and real snow,” he said, noting that the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics relied on artificial snow.
France’s History of Hosting Olympic Events
This will be the fourth time France hosts the Winter Olympics, following Chamonix in 1924, Grenoble in 1968, and Albertville in 1992. It will also be the seventh time France hosts the Olympics overall, with Paris having hosted the Summer Games in 1900 and 1924, and the upcoming 2024 Games.
Various Locations for 2030 Winter Olympics Events
The 2030 Winter Olympics will take place in four main areas: Haute-Savoie, Savoie, the Briançon region, and the mountains around Nice. These locations will feature some of the country’s most famous winter resorts, including Courchevel and Méribel (recent hosts of the World Ski Championships), Val d’Isère, Le Grand-Bornand, La Clusaz, Serre-Chevalier, and Montgenèvre. Nice will host ice skating events, such as hockey and figure skating.
IOC to Decide on the Host City for 2034 Winter Olympics
The IOC assembly will also decide on the host city for the 2034 Winter Olympics, with Salt Lake City being the only candidate.
To sum up, the conditional awarding of the 2030 Winter Olympics to the French Alps shows strong support from the IOC and firm commitment from the French government and regions. This decision promises significant advancements in sports, sustainability, and regional development, depending on upcoming government guarantees.
