Q&A with Pyeongchang 2018 Games bid chief Cho Yang-ho

DURBAN (Reuters) - South Korea's Pyeongchang is bidding to host the 2018 winter Olympics with Germany's Munich and France's Annecy also in the running.

The International Olympic Committee will elect the winning bid on July 6 at its session in Durban, South Africa.

Here is a Q&A with Pyeongchang bid chief Cho Yang-ho:

REUTERS: Why should your city be awarded the 2018 Olympics?

CHO YANG-HO: "For many reasons. At the heart of Pyeongchang's bid for the 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games is the desire to connect winter sports with a young, dynamic and growing population in Asia, and help extend the reach of Olympic ideals to millions of new hearts and minds across the continent.

"If we are given the honour to host the 2018 Winter Games, we can help create a new market for winter sports in Asia, home to 60% of the world's population, that will drive greater winter sports participation, and offer incredible opportunities for winter sports to grow and thrive.

"We have kept our promises to the IOC and we know we can deliver a great winter experience in 2018."

REUTERS: What is the strongest selling point of your bid?

CHO YANG-HO: "Pyeongchang's unique vision for the 2018 Winter Games is articulated by the concept of 'New Horizons', and this expresses our commitment to help expand winter sports across the world.

"With one billion Asians living just two hours from Pyeongchang, its popularity as a winter sports destination is increasing every day. 1.5 million people from overseas countries came to Korea last year to enjoy our winter sports facilities and spectacular scenery and this figure continues to rise.

"The plan is to develop Pyeongchang into an Asian winter sports hub and deliver first class facilities for winter sports in a dynamic market."

REUTERS: Given that some recent Games have left behind little in terms of legacy, and even London has struggled to meet its legacy promises, what would the legacy be for your city and the IOC, should it win the Games?

CHO YANG-HO: "It is our greatest desire to help promote the Olympic values and winter sport to a new generation in a region of the world historically under-developed in winter sport.

"Pyeongchang will develop into a year-round sports and tourism destination with recreational sports facilities, resorts and industries, and a Winter Games in Korea will act as a catalyst for further growth.

"We aspire to offer the IOC and the Olympic Movement and the world of winter sports a legacy of new potential and with new Olympic standard facilities in every winter sport."

REUTERS: How is your Games budget structured and what sort of guarantees are you offering the IOC? How much will be spent in projects indirectly linked to the Games such as infrastructure work in the seven-year run-up?

CHO YANG-HO: "The National Government, the Gangwon Provincial Government and the Municipal Government of Pyeongchang will all be contributing to the Winter Games budget and they fully pledge to honour all required IOC guarantees.

"Pyeongchang's bid is underpinned by these financial promises and the National Government is also pleased to confirm to the IOC that it is guaranteeing 100% of the infrastructure, construction costs for elements such as airports, railroads, and national roads.

"The investment programme for the Winter Games infrastructure is already underway with projects such as the double-track express railroad which will connect Seoul's Incheon Airport directly to Pyeongchang in 68 minutes."

REUTERS: What political support will you have on-site in Durban?

CHO YANG-HO: "Pyeongchang 2018 has total political support and representatives from all levels of government will be present in Durban to demonstrate their commitment to the bid.

"Pyeongchang's bid for the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games is a national priority and we are delighted that our delegation in Durban will be led by South Korean President Lee Myung-bak who has shown his absolute support throughout the campaign."

REUTERS: Given that this is your third consecutive bid -- and there have been other three-time losers in the past -- what would a renewed defeat mean for your Olympic commitment?

CHO YANG-HO: "Over the course of our previous two bids we have been listening and learning from the IOC and the Olympic Movement, and incorporating their comments and suggestions into our new bid.

"Right now, the only thing we are focussed on is our campaign for the 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and highlighting to the IOC what makes this new bid very special. We don't think about defeat."

(Writing by Karolos Grohmann, editing by Pritha Sarkar)