体坛英语新闻：Switzerland to bid for 2022 Winter Olympics

GENEVA, Nov. 19 (Xinhua) -- The Swiss Olympic Committee had made its decision on Friday that Switzerland will join the bids for the 2022 Winter Olympics.

The decision was made in a meeting held in Ittigen, a small town near the capital city Bern. Representatives from major Swiss sports associations casted their votes, and the result was overwhelming, with 385 favors, two abstentions and none opposition.

"The representatives of Swiss sport have made it clear today that they are interested in the Olympic Winter Games in our country," Jorg Schild, President of the Swiss Olympic Committee told the press after the meeting.

According to the committee, condition for Switzerland to host the 2022 Winter Olympics is that European cities, Munich (Germany) and Annecy (France) lose the bids for 2018 Winter Olympics. Otherwise, it would be extremely unlikely that the 2022 Winter Games go to Europe again.

Switzerland had a long tradition and fever for winter sports. Its winter resort St. Moritz hosted the Winter Olympics in both 1928 and 1948, whereas more recent attempts in 1976, 2002 and 2006 had all failed.