London 2012 French agreement signed in quebec

A historic agreement that guarantees and outlines the use of the French language at the 2012 Olympic Games was signed this weekend in Quebec City. The agreement was formalized in a formal document signed by the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, former Governor General of Canada and Grand témoin de la francophonie for the Organisation internationale de la francophonie, and London 2012 Organizing Committee Chair Sebastian Coe.

The agreement can be found at: http://olympic.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/ConvLondresSignéeEN.pdf

"We are honoured that Ms. Jean and Mr. Coe chose Quebec City for this landmark agreement," said Canadian Olympic Committee President Marcel Aubut. "French is one of the two official languages of the Olympic Games and this agreement will ensure that position is realized in London."

The signing was witnessed by Gilbert Felli, the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) Director of Olympic Games. This was the first time the IOC has overseen the agreement between the Organisation international de la francophonie and a Games organizing committee.

The signing took place during the 3rd General Assembly of the Association francophone des comités nationaux olympiques, held in Quebec City May 25-26.

Canadian Olympic Committee Media Office:

Jane Almeida Manager, Media Relations

Tel. : 416-324-4120 / Cell. : 416-540-1788 Email : jalmeida@olympic.ca

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