Sporting Life reports that French sports minister Jean-Francois Lamour insisted the proximity of the village to the venues and the centre (three kilometres away from the Champs Elysees and within 10 minutes of every venue by public transport) would be a great advantage.
At an official reception on Wednesday, Paris 2012 revealed what they called “three trump cards” in its bid. The first is the support for its bid from the country’s political, sports and business leaders, including France’s President Jacques Chirac, as well as 92 per cent support from the French public.
Secondly, the city already has 100 per cent of its accommodation and 95 per cent of public transport and Olympic lanes necessary to service the 2012 Games.
According to a press release 50,000 existing hotel rooms in Paris have already been secured at a fixed price for 2012.
Also, two-thirds of the proposed sports venues are in place, said the release.
The third trump card is Paris 2012’s sustainable Olympic legacy, facilitated by the capital investment freed up by the extensive use of existing Olympic assets, meaning that Paris is prepared to construct the new sports venues.
The total cost of a Paris 2012 Games is estimated at 4.1 billion euros.
