Lima Wins 2017 IOC Session

(ATR) Lima will host the 2017 IOC Session.

The election took place at the IOC Session in Monaco on December 9. Helsinki was the other bid city.

In making its presentation, Lima highlighted its cultural and culinary offerings. The presentation also made it clear IOC Session visitors could have the chance of a lifetime to visit the Incan ruins of Machu Picchu. The presentation contained far more specifics about where and how the IOC would be treated in Lima. For example, Lima touted its ability to host and house the Session in one venue, the Lima Westin, with other hotels nearby.

Helsinki’s presentation was short on those kinds of specifics, even failing to name the convention center or hotels which were planned for a Session in Helsinki. Instead, the presentation stressed historical and emotional appeals. 2017 will be the 100th anniversary of Finland’s independence. 2017 will also be the 80th birthday of IOC member Peter Tallberg, and his last as an IOCmember. Tallberg was not able to attend the Monaco Session due to poor health. Instead of a videotaped message, Helsinki showed a handwritten note from Tallberg to his colleagues, asking them for their vote.

Speaking to Around the Rings after the vote, Peruvian IOC member Ivan Dibos had a simple explanation for why the bid won: "we did our best," he said.

"Any city could have won. It’s great for us."

Lima secured 54 of the 84 valid cast votes.

When the IOC heads to the Peruvian capital in three years, it will be the first time the entire Olympic Family will be in Lima. The city hosted the 2013 IOC Sport for All Conference.

Lima’s population is 9.7 million people.

The headline for the 2017 Session will be the election of a host for the 2024 Olympics.

Written by Ed Hula III

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