IOC session in Lima going ahead as planned

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has decided, despite the recent floods in Lima in Peru, to go ahead with its 130th session there this September, which will elect the host city of the 2024 Olympic Games.

Peru was doubtful to host the week-long IOC session due to the recent floods, reports Xinhua news agency.

"The IOC and the Peruvian government confirmed that preparations for the IOC session, to be held in Peru in September, are going ahead as planned," IOC said in a statement on Thursday.

Peru President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski said: "The eyes of the world will be on Lima. Hosting the IOC session will send a vital message to the world that we are ready to welcome the world after the emergency situation."

IOC President Thomas Bach emphasised that the decision to keep Lima as the place for its session became possible after the Peruvian government's assurances.

"The Peruvian government has given us all necessary assurances that the IOC session will be organised in a great way," commented Bach.

The IOC announced a donation of $600,000 to support Peru's recovery efforts last week.

The 130th session will see the election of the host city of the 2024 Olympic Games between Paris and Los Angeles.

--IANS

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