MUNICH 2018 FAN FLIGHT READY FOR TAKE-OFF: BAVARIAN PRIME MINISTER AND GERMAN SPORTS ICONS ON BOARD – Munich 2018 shows strength in numbers

 Munich: Munich 2018's strong backing from the government, the German sports community and the public will be reinforced one day ahead of the IOC host city decision as Horst Seehofer, Prime Minister of Bavaria, joins hundreds of fans and Munich 2018 sports ambassadors on a fan flight to the 123rd IOC Session in Durban.

The Lufthansa plane will touch down in South Africa on 5 July with over 100 Munich 2018 supporters, including sports ambassadors, sponsors and partners. One day later, Munich 2018 supporters and fans from across the world will gather in the German House in Durban in anticipation of the IOC's decision. Horst Seehofer will be alongside Christian Wulff, Germany's Head of State, in Durban for the all-important vote on 6 July, underlining the German government's unreserved enthusiasm and commitment to Munich 2018 and to the Olympic Movement.

The high-profile bid delegation travelling to Durban will be led by Katarina Witt, two-time Olympic champion and Chair of the Munich 2018 Bid Committee; Thomas Bach, Olympic champion and President of the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB); and Bernhard Schwank, CEO of the Munich 2018 Bid Committee.

Katarina Witt is thrilled to be supported by a team of such prominent political and sporting figures. She said:

‘Munich 2018 has had a strong team working towards this day for two years now, and we want to show the immense support we have received from every echelon of society, especially the athletes, right up to the final day in Durban. We are delighted that so many sports ambassadors, partners and fans are coming to Durban to support us on site; this shows once again that we are truly a bid by athletes for athletes!'

Munich 2018's concept was designed in full consultation with leading winter sports athletes, and this support from sports ambassadors will continue to benefit the bid right up until the day of the decision. The bid will be backed by 15 of Munich 2018's 125 sports ambassadors in Durban, bringing with them the experiences of 51 gold, 13 silver and nine bronze Olympic and Paralympic medals.

Georg Hackl, three-time Olympic champion in luge, shared his excitement about travelling to Durban in support of Munich's bid. He said:

‘I am thrilled to be one of 15 sports ambassadors supporting Munich 2018 in Durban. Munich 2018 is an athlete driven bid and this will be showcased once again by the strong support from numerous athletes who will be on the ground in Durban in the coming weeks.'

The fan group will take part in a city tour and visit the Moses Mabhida stadium in Durban on 5 July, followed by a Festival of Friendship celebration on 6 July in German House. Hundreds of Munich 2018 supporters will gather together to watch the presentations of the three candidate cities and count down to 17:00 local time when the IOC will make its decision as to who will host the 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.