Pretoria- President Jacob Zuma has welcomed members of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and other officials who have arrived into the country for the 123rd IOC Session.
The meeting which will decide the host city for the 2018 Olympic Winter Games will take place from tomorrow and end on Saturday in Durban. The candidate cities for the games are Munich in Germany, Annecy in France and South Korea's Pyeongchang.
"We are pleased to welcome the Olympic movement to South Africa for the first IOC Session to be held on the continent. It is an honour for us to host this historic meeting,'' said Zuma on Sunday. Other key policy issues will also be discussed.
"A special welcome is extended to the Heads of State and Government who have indicated their attendance. It is particularly special for us to welcome the newly-weds Prince Albert and Princess Charlene of Monaco to Princess Charlene's home country on the occasion of the IOC Session in which Prince Albert will participate as an IOC member. We continue to treasure the pride Princess Charlene brought to South Africa as an Olympic swimmer," explained the President.
The royal couple began their three day nuptials on Friday with today marking the final day for celebrations.
Zuma recognised the role played by the games as part of the international solidarity movement and pressure that led to South Africa's transition to democracy.
"Since then, thousands of South Africans have actively participated in Olympic sports at all levels, and participated in Olympic competitions. Our host city of Durban is ready to offer the IOC a memorable and productive visit to South Africa," said President Zuma.
"We wish the IOC well in its deliberations and offer our congratulations and best wishes to the three candidate cities for the 2018 Winter Games," he said.
Munich wants the right to host the Winter Games because they have not been awarded the honour in 80 years. Pyeongchang feel their determination and passion after two failed bids must demonstrate their commitment to the Olympics. Annecy meanwhile is riding on the nostalgia factor. France hosted the first official Winter Olympics in 1924 in the French resort of Chamonix.
The Presidency said Zuma will host a welcome luncheon on Tuesday and on the same day officiate in the opening ceremony.
