Winter Olympics

Polar bear adds some extra bite to Munich 2018 campaign

By Duncan Mackay

Munich_2018_polar_bear_GiovanniMarch 28 - Munich 2018 today began counting down the final 100 days before the International Olympic Committee (IOC) elects the host city for the 2018 Winter Olympics and Paralympics when they joined by a very special addition to the team: Giovanna the polar bear has become their newest official ambassador.

Annecy 2018 chances hit by growing public opposition

By Duncan Mackay

Annecy_No_Olympic_CommitteeMarch 28 - A group opposed to Annecy hosting the 2018 Winter Olympics and Paralympics claim to have collected over 13,000 signatures of people who are against the bid, which overshadowed the announcement today that 500 of France's greatest ever sportsmen and women, including Zinezine Zidane were behind the campaign.

£1.3 million partnership boost for Annecy 2018 Bid

CaisseMarch 25 - Caisse des Dépôts has committed to paying €1.5 million (£1.3 million/$2.1 million)) to Annecy and the French National Olympic and Sport Committee (CNOSF) after signing up as an official partner of the Bid to host the 2018 Winter Olympics.

Furlong cleared by IOC over book row

John_Furlong_book_coverMarch 12 - John Furlong, the chief executive of Vancouver 2010, has been cleared by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) following a row he started in his new book over the selection of the Canadian city as the host for the Winter Olympics and Paralympics.

Sochi 2014 polar bear is "grandson of Misha" says Chernyshenko

By Tom Degun in Barcelona

Dmitry_Chenryshenko_presented_with_Samaranch_award_in_Barcelona_March_10_2011March 11 - Dmitry Chernyshenko (pictured), the President and chief executive of Sochi 2014, has shrugged off the controversy surrounding the mascots for the Winter Games after it alleged that the design was stolen from the mascot for the 1980 Moscow Olympics, Misha, more than 30 years ago.

"We are focussing on our own bid" claims Witt

By Tom Degun in Barcelona

Katarina_Witt_in_Barcelona_at_conference_March_10_2March 11 - Katarina Witt, the double Olympic skating champion and the chair of Munich 2018, claims her team has done everything possible, if not more, to win the right to host the Winter Olympics and Paralympics.