January 6 - Bavarian ice hockey clubs SC Riessersee and EHC Munich will this week put local rivalry behind them in a united and unique show of support for Munich’s bid to host the 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.


Both teams will wear special Munich 2018 jerseys to demonstrate their commitment to the Bid when they clash in a German Second Division derby game at Garmisch-Partenkirchen tomorrow.

SC Riessersee is the home town club of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, whose world-class facilities would host the Alpine events at the Munich 2018 Games.

EHC Munich represents the city which would stage the ice sports' competitions during the 2018 winter Games.

Willy Bogner, the chief executive of Munich 2018, claimed that the show of unity sends out a strong and positive message about the high level of local community support for the 2018 winter Games in Munich.

He said: "This act of friendship between rivals demonstrates not only the solidarity of the teams and their fans but the support of the ice hockey family for the Munich 2018 bid which is also a joint effort between Munich and Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

"In May 2010, Germany will host the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championships when German fans will once again demonstrate that they are amongst the most passionate, friendly and fair hosts in the world.

"This event will typify the vibrant atmosphere that the Olympic family can expect in Munich for 2018."

There will also be guest appearances by members of the 1976 German national ice hockey team which won bronze medal at the Olympic Winter Games in Innsbruck.

Home team SC Riessersee are expecting 7,000 fans for Friday’s game when the arena will be illuminated with the Munich 2018 bid emblem and information about the bid will be distributed to spectators.


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