France's Sarkozy says Olympic bid an economic boon

France's Sarkozy says Olympic bid an economic boon

Published Jan. 17, 2011 5:36 p.m. ET

French President Nicolas Sarkozy says Annecy's bid to host the 2018 Winter Games can provide an economic boost to the country.

The French leader says work to support Olympic bids is ''beneficial to the entire country.''

Speaking Monday before an audience of sports professionals, Sarkozy said ''sport is a motor for growth and employment.''

The French Alpine town of Annecy is struggling in its bid against Munich and Pyeongchang, South Korea. The IOC will select the winner in July.

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France lost its previous Olympic bid when Paris was beaten by London in the vote for the 2012 Summer Games.

Sarkozy also pledged to follow through on construction of a swimming venue - part of the failed 2012 bid.

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