An African country has never previously hosted the Olympics. In twelve years, the waiting period may be over.
The IOC confirms on Monday that talks have been held between the committee’s management and representatives of the sports authorities in South Africa.
– The IOC warmly welcomes this interest and the united commitment of the Olympic Committee, the government of South Africa as well as the support of the country’s IOC member and honorary member. We have been presented with a project and a plan to organize the Olympic Games in South Africa – with and for the entire African continent, says IOC President Thomas Bach in a statement.
In the meeting with the Olympic leaders, the South Africans received information about the further process, and according to the IOC, there is agreement on a plan to continue the talks.
– We are at the start of a new and exciting process that could lead to South Africa hosting the Olympic Games in 2036. For the government, under the leadership of President Cyril Ramaphosa, it is all about lighting the fire in the belly of proud, patriotic South Africans to make South Africa the greatest country in the world, says Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie.
South Africa hosted the 2010 FIFA World Cup. It was the first time the playoffs were held on the African continent.
However, the battle to host the Olympics in 2036 could potentially be tough.
– Currently, there is a double-digit number of interested actors from four continents who are in talks with the IOC about organizing a future edition of the Olympic Games, reports the IOC.
Read also: New major sponsor stops IOC cooperation – claims the Olympics are becoming “increasingly political”