Zurich was chosen today by the Swiss Olympic Committee to pursue a 2014 Olympic Winter Games Bid. The only other Swiss competitor, Davos, was rejected by the committee’s executive council.
The Davos bid was dismissed on the grounds that it did not meet the minimum requirements that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) looks for in a Winter Games bid. Among the deficiencies noted were the long distances of venues from the international airport, poor planning for the Olympic Village, lack of accomodation for media and guests and the doubtful legacy for newly built venues.
However, The Swiss Olympic Committee said it would not submit a Zurich 2014 application to the IOC until Zurich organizers showed more committment to the project. They’ll make their final decision in December.
Berne’s 2010 Winter Games bid was the last for Switzerland but it withdrew early after losing a referendum regarding funding.
The IOC will elect the host for the 2014 Games in 2007.
