The medals, which were unveiled by ten-year-old French Ski Federation (FFS) member Axel, who is aspiring to become France's next elite skiing champion, were produced and designed by Paris-based medal-designers and Annecy 2013 partners Arthus-Bertrand, and bear the snowflake logo of the Games.

The World Winter Games, which are due to open next Monday (March 25), will bring together top athletes serving in the military, including reigning world and Olympic champion Dario Cologna of Switzerland and Vancouver 2010 Olympic slalom gold medallist Giuliano Razzoli for a unique sporting spectacle set against the backdrop of Lake Annecy and Mont-Blanc, Western Europe's tallest mountain.

Ten-year-old Axel unveils the medals that will be on offer at Annecy 2013

Sports on the agenda will be: skiing, Nordic skiing (cross-country, biathlon, patrol), short track speed skating, ski mountaineering, ski orienteering and climbing, which will take place in Annecy La Clusaz, Le Grand Bornand and Chamonix Mont-Blanc respectively.

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