Annecy selected to host the 2nd Winter Military World Games

On Wednesday 11 May, during the Congress and 66th General Assembly of the International Military Sports Council (CISM) in Seoul, France was chosen to host the 2nd Winter Military World Games (WMWG) at Annecy-Chamonix in March 2013.

The CISM, which was founded in 1948, is one of the largest multidisciplinary organisations in the world. It organises sporting events for the armed forces of its 133 member countries. Soldiers, who in the past may have seen action on the battle field, meet in a friendly atmosphere on the sports field. The aim of the CISM is to contribute to world peace by uniting armed forces through sport. Its motto: "Friendship through Sport". The CISM plays an important role in training elite athletes. As a pioneer in international sporting solidarity, the CISM has set up projects in collaboration with the International Olympic Committee and organisations such as the United Nations and the European Community.

The Winter Military World Games include six sports: Alpine skiing, biathlon, cross-country skiing, ski orienteering, indoor climbing and short track speed skating. They are to be held from 24 to 30 March 2013, on the sites put forward for the Annecy 2018 bid: opening and closing ceremonies, indoor climbing and short track speed skating in Annecy, ski touring and ski orienteering in Chamonix Mont-Blanc, Alpine skiing in la Clusaz and cross-country skiing and the biathlon in Grand-Bornand.

At the 1st WMWG in March 2010 in Italy, France came second overall in the national rankings. Many members of France's teams, including Sandrine Bailly, Vincent Vittoz, Marie Marchand-Arvier, Jean-Baptiste Grange, the Fourcade brothers, Sandrine Auber and Vincent Jay, are on military teams, and all support the Annecy 2018 bid.

Charles Beigbeder, President of Annecy 2018: "Proud and honoured"

We are very proud and honoured that the CISM has put its trust in Annecy and France to organise the 2nd Winter Military World Games. Once again, this testifies to our country’s ability to host major international competitions and be a global platform for winter sports. Our magnificent playing field will be ready to provide all these athletes with an opportunity to excel in 2013 and, we hope, in 2018 with authentic Games, in the heart of the mountains, with the athletes and for the future!

On Wednesday 11 May 2011, General Renaud, on behalf of the French Defence Ministry, signed France’s commitment to organise the 2nd WMWG in Annecy-Chamonix. This document will be followed by an official contract of commitment between France and CISM to be drawn up and signed within 3 months.

For more information, contact: media@annecy-2018.fr.

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