The French President, himself former Mayor of Paris, cited the recent example
of the IAAF World Athletics Championships, successfully organised in Summer 2003
in Paris-Saint-Denis: "A hands-down success in the eyes of the French people,
they offered further confirmation, after the FIFA World Cup in 1998, that Paris,
its region and the French sporting movement, in close conjunction with the Government,
are able to put together, host and run major events in sports."
Jacques Chirac made this reference on Tuesday 6 January, just after Bertrand
Delanoë, Mayor of Paris and President of Paris 2012, addressed him for the New
Year.
The Olympic Values
Already last May, the President of France expressed his satisfaction with Paris'
bid to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games. In a press release, he emphasised
that France would "be intent on illustrating and asserting the values that underpin
Olympism: unity, commitment and respect for others".
"France and French sports as a whole are fortunate to have this opportunity",
he added, in conclusion.