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2012 BID NEWS: PARIS HIGHLIGHTS CULTURE

Cultural diversity will be at the heart of a Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games, according to Paris 2012 CEO Philippe Baudillon.

Following the Conference for a Europe of Culture at the ElysC)e Palace, Baudillon underlined the bid's desire to re-establish links with the ideals of Pierre de Coubertin, founder of the modern Olympics.

"One usually associates the Olympics with sport, but it's easy to forget that Olympism has cultural links as well," said Baudillon.

"Paris wants to promote diversity and harmony between communities in France, Europe and beyond to entertain and inspire future generations about the importance of sport and culture in society, a key element of our bid.

"The Olympics are the only sporting event where individuals from every part of the earth can come together to compete and celebrate the Olympic harmony and cultural diversity. I believe Paris is the perfect place to underline these ideals."

New York and London are the other candidate cities that have pointed to the range of nationalities making up their population.