Madrid, London, Paris, New York and Moscow are currently battling for the right to host the Olympic Games in 2012. Up until the announcement of the results on 9 July, Al-Ahram Weekly will offer periodic updates on the latest news of the five bidding cities, some provided by the candidates themselves Mandela's choice NELSON Mandella is endorsing London's bid. The former South African president and 1993 Nobel Peace Prize winner said that London's unique cultural diversity makes it the ideal city to host the 2012 Games. A statement published by Mandela from his home in South Africa said: "There is no city like London. It is a wonderfully diverse and open city providing a home to hundreds of different nationalities from all over the world. "I can't think of a better place than London to hold an event that unites the world. "The Games in London will inspire athletes as well as young people around the world and ensure that the Olympic Games remain the dream for future generations. "London would offer something very special to the Olympic Movement, including great new sporting facilities and a legacy for generations to come." British Minister for Sport Richard Caborn said that it was a great privilege to receive backing from the former president. Speaking from Johannesburg, he said: "It is an honour to have such a respected international figure supporting our 2012 Olympic and Paralympic bid." London 2012 Chairman Sebastian Coe also welcomed Mandela's support, saying it would inspire London and the United Kingdom to work closely with the international community. "It is indeed a very special honour for London 2012 to have the support of Nelson Mandela, who is one of the world's most admired and inspirational figures, " said the double Olympic champion. "He understands the powerful role that sport can play in changing people's lives -- both on and off the sporting field. London 2012 shares the same vision. "Bringing the Games to London would provide a powerful demonstration of how people's lives can be transformed through sport." Mayor of London Ken Livingstone added: "In choosing to highlight London's diversity as a major reason for backing our bid, Nelson Mandela has shown a strong understanding of why London -- a global city -- should host the world's greatest sporting occasion. "We are honoured to have his support." Meanwhile, the world famous pavilion at Lord's Cricket Ground has re-opened after the completion of an 8m euro restoration project. The historic building, which would provide a spectacular backdrop to archery if London's 2012 bid is successful, was opened by MCC President Tom Graveney before the start of the opening first-class match of the season. The former England captain was joined by promising England A batsman Alastair Cook, who will be representing the MCC in the opening day fixture against last year's county champions Warwickshire. "I'm delighted that MCC has restored the pavilion," said Graveney. "It has taken seven months and around �8m but I believe that our investment -- of time and money -- has been well worthwhile." The news was welcomed by Coe. "The pavilion at Lord's would provide a unique backdrop for archery in 2012, and it's fantastic to see this beautiful building restored and ready for the coming Cricket season." "Lord's perfectly encapsulates London's unique mix of past and future, with the historic pavilion at one end and the futuristic NatWest Media Centre at the other. "Our bid includes existing world-class venues and state-of-the-art new facilities, and a London Games would provide unique memories for athletes and spectators alike." The refurbishment of the pavilion has restored the building's original chimney stacks and fireplaces, overhauled the dressing rooms, improved access for disabled spectators and added a new roof terrace. Crowds of 6,500 would be able to enjoy archery at Lord's in the 2012 Olympic Games. Final sprint LANCE ARMSTRONG, six-time winner of the Tour de France, made a stop in New York's Central Park to declare his support for New York City's bid to host the Olympics. Armstrong appeared alongside Deputy Mayor for Economic Development and Rebuilding and founder of the city's bid Daniel Doctoroff, and Parks & Recreation Commissioner Adrian Benepe to celebrate the city's bid and New York's passion for cycling. They were joined by 15 children from the Star Track youth cycling programme, which was created in conjunction with the newly renovated Kissena Velodrome in Queens. Armstrong, Doctoroff and Benepe led the children on a ride through the park. "This is the final sprint for the bid cities and I'm here to lend my enthusiastic support to help New York City cross the finish line first," said Armstrong. "Every time I come here I'm driven by the unparalleled energy and excitement of this city. New Yorkers have a great passion for sport and no matter where an athlete is from, they will find a hometown crowd here cheering them on. Athletes are celebrated in this city not only for being the best at their particular sport, but also for giving their absolute best, no matter where they place." Doctoroff said, "Lance Armstrong is one of the greatest and most heroic athletes in the history of sport. We are honoured to have Lance's support for our bid for the 2012 Games and to have him here today. Time and again in his career, Lance has overcome seemingly insurmountable odds to win, and his passion and determination to excel are parallel to the Olympic ideals -- ideals that New Yorkers live every day." Surprise support THE 39 members of the Conference of the Ministers for the Youth and the Sports of the French- speaking countries (CONFEJES) have voted unanimously to support Paris' bid. "This is a great surprise," Jean-François Lamour, French minister for youth, sports and Associations, said at the 30th ministerial meeting of CONFEJES, held this past week in Paris. "This is an additional proof for the IOC of our mobilisation and determination. The more opportunities we have to explain our Amour des Jeux and our vision for the Games, the more support the bid receives, both within France and across the world," Lamour said. The support of CONFEJES is reportedly a tremendous boost for the Paris 2012 bid since the conference has never expressed such unanimous support for one particular bid. The initiative was taken by Minister for Sports of Mauritania, Ahmedou Ould Ahmadou. The CONFEJES, by way of its new secretary-general, Mauritanian Youssouf Fall, explained its support by highlighting the "French know-how" with regards to organisation, as well as the excellent quality of the Parisian infrastructures. Fall also expressed his wish to see "a world celebration for French- speaking youth in Paris in 2012."
