The Olympics stand as the zenith of international sports, embodying the highest dream for athletes around the world. Every four years, this magnificent event assembles more than 10,000 athletes from almost 200 countries to participate in over 300 events, all within one host city. The organization of this colossal event is a monumental task, requiring years of detailed planning and thorough preparation.
The process of selecting a host city for the Olympic Games is an intricate and highly competitive process that involves considerable planning, lobbying, and evaluation by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). This process not only determines where one of the world's largest sporting events takes place but also sets the stage for significant urban development and international exposure for the host city. Ahead of the Paris Olympics 2024, which is set to start from July 26, let's know how cities are chosen to host the Olympic Games:
1. Expression of Interest
The process begins when cities express their interest in hosting the Olympic Games. This initial step involves a city or country's National Olympic Committee (NOC), which must submit a letter of interest to the IOC. This expression is a preliminary declaration and does not require detailed planning documents or guarantees at this stage.
2. Applicant Phase
Cities that express interest are invited to the applicant phase. During this stage, applicant cities are required to answer a questionnaire provided by the IOC covering various aspects of hosting the Games, including vision, budget, infrastructure, and legacy plans. The responses are evaluated to assess each city's ability to meet the hosting requirements.
3. Candidature Phase
Cities that successfully complete the applicant phase are elevated to candidate status. These candidate cities receive a more detailed questionnaire and are subjected to a deeper evaluation. This phase requires the cities to submit their Candidature File, which includes comprehensive plans for sports, venues, accommodation, transportation, environmental protection, and financing.
4. Evaluation Commission Visits
Once the Candidature Files are submitted, the IOC forms an Evaluation Commission comprising international sports experts, former athletes, and other specialists. This commission visits each candidate city to inspect proposed venues and infrastructure, and to verify the details provided in the Candidature Files. The commission also assesses the potential legacy and impact of the Games on each city.
5. The IOC Report
Following the visits, the Evaluation Commission compiles a detailed report on each candidate city. This report is based on the submitted documents and findings from the site visits. It covers all critical areas such as technical plans, accommodations, transport, security, financial capabilities, and public support.
6. Final Presentation and Election
The climax of the host city selection process occurs during an IOC Session, where the candidate cities make their final presentations. These presentations are an opportunity for the cities to address any remaining concerns and to highlight the strengths of their bids. After the presentations, the IOC members vote to select the host city.
The voting is conducted in rounds, and if no city wins a majority in the first round, the city with the fewest votes is eliminated, and subsequent rounds are held until a city obtains a majority. The winner is then announced as the next Olympic host city.
7. Signing of the Host City Contract
After the election, the winning city and the IOC sign the Host City Contract, officially awarding the Olympic Games to the city. This contract binds the city to the promises made during the bid process and sets out the legal, organizational, and financial obligations of the host city and the IOC.
The selection of the Olympic host city is a rigorous and competitive process that can take several years from expression of interest to final election. This process ensures that the chosen host is fully equipped to provide a safe, memorable, and successful Olympic Games that will leave a lasting legacy for its residents while promoting the Olympic values of excellence, friendship, and respect on the global stage.
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