Cash Injection for Annecy; No Time Off for Munich

Annecy Nabs $2 Million More from Government

A French financial organization is boosting Annecy’s coffers for the bid race’s final four months.

Caisse des Dépôts, a state body that invests in the economic development of France, committed Monday to more than $2 million in support of Annecy 2018 as well as the French NOC.

"The Caisse des Dépôts, tasked with serving the public interest and supporting sustainable development in our regions, is a natural partner for this bid," French sport minister Chantal Jouanno said at the signing ceremony.

"Each time a major group joins forces with us, we send a strong signal to the International Olympic Committee."

Caisse des Dépôts first joined the bid back in January as a "local supporter" – part of a $3.3 million government cash injection – but Monday’s deal raises its level of affiliation to that of an "official partner" to Annecy 2018.

Redgrave Backs Olympic Bid from UAE

Five-time Olympic champion Steve Redgrave says United Arab Emirates should host the Middle East’s first Summer Games.

"I think this place ought to be the first to bid or else it will be a long, long time before the Olympic Games return to the region," the British rowing legend was quoted Monday by UAE media.

Redgrave, one of only four athletes to win gold in five straight Games, was in Dubai to promote London 2012’s impending 500-days-to-go mark but took the chance to advise the country’s sporting leadership during a Monday conference.

"The main thingwould be to try and understand what exactly the IOC wants. As a nation, you need to gauge the mood of the IOC and for this, you need to be a visionary to ensure that sport is supported and enhanced at the same time," Redgrave told officials from UAE’s national governing bodies.

"I sincerely hope you do bid for an Olympic Games here as an event like this would be fantastic for the entire region."

According to Gulf News, an official from UAE’s National Olympic Committee revealed that the NOC has been instructed by the country’s prime minister to bid but has yet to determine when.

No Time Off for Munich

Munich 2018 staffers will have little time to relax following what is a grueling week for every bid.

Some told Around the Rings they hoped to have a few days off later on in the month but most said they would just return to normal work hours once the IOC left.

Eighteen-hour days were commonplace for those working on the bid.

Media Watch

German coverage of the IOC Evaluation Commission visit was typically the top sports story of the week.

The press corps covering the visit was dominated by Germans. Around a dozen South Korean reporters were present, most from Korean outlets’ European bureaus. Only one French reporter had registered.

Favorite Hotel

International media and many staff for the bid took residence at the Louis Hotel, just off Mary’s Square for the week.

The boutique hotel is allegedly the favorite hotel for Munich 2018 chair Katarina Witt.

Menu Request

Evaluation Commission chairwoman Gunilla Lindberg allegedly requested a menu change at one lunchtime commission stop.

In Garmisch-Partenkirchen, the Swedish IOC member asked for Bavarian food instead of the day’s selection.

Her request was granted and she was given the Bavarian favorite of "Weisswurst", or white sausage.

The mayor, however, had to show her how to eat the treat. First the casing is removed, then the sausage is either bitten off, or more elegantly, sliced.

A pretzel, beer, and sweet mustard are required accompaniments.

Happy Birthday

A number of individuals connected with Munich 2018 celebrated birthdays during the Evaluation Commission visit.

Twelve-time Paralympic gold medalist and Munich 2018 athlete ambassador Verena Bentele turned 29 on Feb. 28, the day before the Evaluation began. At a reception on the first night, Munich Lord Mayor Christian Ude gave her a bouquet of flowers.

Keir Radnedge, editor of Sports Features Communications, celebrated his birthday on March 4.

Written by Matthew Grayson and Ed Hula III.