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South Africa to consider Olympic bid

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-07-13 16:48
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JOHANNESBURG - After successfully staging the football World Cup, South Africa is now considering bidding for the Olympic Games.

In a joint media briefing with IOC president Jacques Rogge on Monday in Johannesburg, Gideon Sam, president of South Africa's Olympic Committee, said the committee would consult with the government on the possibility of bidding for the Olympic Games.

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South Africa tried to host a first-ever Olympic Games in Africa, but failed its first attempt when Cape Town lost to Athens in the bid for the 2004 Games.

Although often criticized for its high crime rate and poor transport infrastructure, South Africa managed to host not only the World Cup but also a series of high-level international tournaments including the All Africa Games in 1999 and the Rugby World Cup in 1995.

IOC head Rogge said a bid from South Africa would be welcomed.