South Africa sets sights on hosting the 2036 Olympic Games
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has welcomed South Africa’s proposal to begin discussions on hosting the Olympic Games in 2036. This follows a visit by a high-profile South African delegation to the IOC’s headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland, on Wednesday.
The delegation included South Africa’s Sports Minister, Gayton McKenzie, SASCOC President Barry Hendricks, and CEO Nozipho Jafta, alongside IOC Member Anant Singh and Honorary Member Sam Ramsamy. During their meeting with IOC President Thomas Bach, the two parties agreed on a roadmap to advance the proposal.
Jacqueline Barrett, the IOC's Director of Olympic Games Future Hosts, is leading the initial consultations from the IOC side. Discussions included outlining the procedural steps, setting a framework for collaboration, and mapping out the next phases of consultation.
Commenting on the initiative, Sports Minister McKenzie expressed optimism: “We are at the start of an exciting new process that could lead to South Africa hosting the 2036 Olympic Games. The Government of National Unity, under President Cyril Ramaphosa, is all about reigniting the fire in the bellies of proud, patriotic South Africans to make South Africa the greatest country in the world.”
Barry Hendricks, SASCOC President, echoed this enthusiasm, stating, “As SASCOC, we are ready and able to engage with our parent body, the IOC, to host the world’s greatest sporting spectacle.”
South Africa joins a growing list of countries from four continents currently engaging in discussions with the IOC about hosting a future Olympic Games.
Source: Olympic
