IOC urges African nations to bid for Olympics

International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Jacques Rogge has urged African countries today to bid for the summer Games.

International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Jacques Rogge has urged African countries today to bid for the summer Games.

At the start of a four-day visit to Kenya during his first visit to Africa since he was elected to lead the IOC in 2001, Mr Rogge said he was happy that South Africa was going to stage the 2010 soccer World Cup.

"It is always my dear hope that Africa can stage the Olympic Games in future. At the moment no African country has put in a bid but I sincerely hope and wish that they come forward in the not-too-distant future to stage this prestigious event," Mr Rogge told reporters.

"I am happy that the FIFA World Cup will be staged in South Africa in 2010. The continent can focus on this huge assignment first then make a move to host the Summer Games in future."

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Beijing will stage the 2008 Games and a decision on the 2012 hosts will be made in Singapore on July 6th. Paris, London, New York, Madrid and Moscow are the candidates.