At Marienplatz in Munich, the PRO Olympia alliance recently made a visible statement, exactly one month before the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) decides on the national candidacy for the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Under the slogan "For Germany's real Olympic chance," the countdown to the extraordinary DOSB General Assembly on 26 September in Baden-Baden was initiated in the presence of Lord Mayor Dominik Krause, Head of Economic Affairs Dr. Christian Scharpf, and other supporters.
The timing was deliberately chosen to coincide with the 54th anniversary of the opening ceremony of the 1972 Olympic Games. The campaign thus referenced Munich's existing Olympic legacy while also drawing attention to a potential future hosting. After a symbolic countdown initiation by the Münchner Kindl at the three-metre-tall giant dachshund from Munich Tourism, employees from the tourism industry unfurled a twenty by ten-metre banner bearing the aforementioned slogan, accompanied by the historic Olympic fanfare.
Significance for the Economic Hub
Wolfram Hatz, representing the PRO Olympia alliance and President of vbw – Vereinigung der Bayerischen Wirtschaft e. V., emphasised the conviction that Munich possesses the capacity to host the Games. The Bavarian economy is strongly advocating for the return of the Olympic Games to Munich. He highlighted that such a hosting would go beyond a mere sporting event and instead represent an active location policy. The Games would offer a significant opportunity to increase the city's global visibility and generate momentum for the economic hub. Expected investments in infrastructure, housing, and transport would benefit citizens and businesses far beyond Munich. According to Hatz, Munich and Bavaria are best placed in Germany to realise an event of this magnitude.
David Boppert, Chairman of the IHK Regional Committee for the State Capital of Munich, expressed the firm conviction of the business community that Munich could successfully host the Olympic Games. He highlighted the cohesion of business, culture, politics, and sport as a clear signal from the state capital to German sport. Munich's Olympic bid is characterised by sustainability, short distances, future-oriented mobility, central venues in the city centre, and hospitality. The demand from the business community is to put Munich into the running.
Munich's Unique Concept
Lord Mayor Dominik Krause underlined Munich's readiness and referred to the vibrant Olympic legacy that has existed since 1972. This legacy would be further developed through a sustainable and future-oriented concept, which could benefit all of Germany through innovative projects. He emphasised the city's global appeal and the strong support among the Munich population. This combination makes the bid unique and offers Germany the greatest chance in the subsequent international decision for hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Dr. Christian Scharpf, Head of Labour and Economy, highlighted Munich's international reputation and its tourist appeal, which make the city a promising German candidate. He stressed that the city would benefit on many levels from this major event and that the Munich economy therefore fully supports the Olympic bid. With its confident slogan, the PRO Olympia alliance expressed its central conviction that the national decision is not just about domestic approval, but also about which bid can succeed in international competition. The final decision on the German applicant region will be made on 26 September by the extraordinary DOSB General Assembly in Baden-Baden.
