(ATR) The International Olympic Committee Evaluation Commission is in the midst of its in depth inspections of Paris and Los Angeles as the race to become the 2024 Olympic host city reaches the final turn.
The bidding contest that began in 2015 with five cities has dwindled to two with less than four months remaining until the IOC chooses the host city in Lima, Peru.
The IOC is left with a tough decision as both cities are equipped with rich Olympic histories, strong public support and well-planned bids.
The IOC Evaluation Commission first visited Los Angeles from May 10-12.
Rachel Axon of USA Today says the candidature received a "heap of praise" on LA’s readiness to host an Olympic Games.
Over the three day visit, LA showed off its plan to keep costs low by using mostly existing facilities and housing on the campus of UCLA and USC as well as venues such as the Staples Center and Memorial Coliseum.
Axon includes quotes from Chairman of the Evaluation Commission Patrick Baumann who says the LA visit was a "productive, relaxed and open, frank discussion with no surprises".
"It is clear that the mayor and the entire Los Angeles 2024 are determined to ensure that the Games will leave a great legacy for the city and this region."
Axon also quotes LA 2024 chairman Casey Wassreman who believesLA has "the strongest foundations of any bid in history".
Scott Reid of the Orange County Registeragrees that LA's biggest advantage is its existing venues.
"On a day when the Los Angeles 2024 bid was expected to flex the muscle of its wealth of existing world-class venues for the IOC evaluation commission, LA 2024 and city officials refused to cede any emotional ground to a Paris bid linked to the 100th anniversary of the 1924 Games," says Reid.
Though Los Angeles seems to have gathered a lot of support for the Games, some disagree.
Norman Chad of the Washington Post notes that with the continuous traffic and environmental issues including earthquakes and mudslides, Los Angeles may not be best suited to host the Games.
The commission continued on to Paris from May 14-16.
Jean-Julien Ezvan of Le Figaro Sport 24 details how Paris also left a good impression on the first day of the visit. Ezvan includes quotes from Baumann as well who says the city made an "exceptional and very detailed presentation".
RMC Sport explains other politicians including current and former France presidents Emmanuel Macron and Nicolas Sarkozy took the time to express their support and "100 percent commitment" to the Games during a dinner hosted by Paris mayor Anne Hildago on day one.
TheLeMondepublication states the Parisian candidature is "credible and balanced". LeMonde goes on to explain how Paris hosting the Games would be a "reasonable investment" due to the boost in jobs and tourism.
The IOC will vote on the host of the 2024 Games on Sep. 13 at its Session in Lima.
Written by Courtney Colquitt
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