The specially-chartered Lufthansa plane will touch down in South Africa on on the eve of the vote on July 6 with over 100 Munich 2018 supporters, including sports ambassadors, sponsors and partners.

While Seehofer will be alongside Christian Wulff, Germany's Head of State, for the vote, the other supporters will gather in the German House in Durban in anticipation of the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) decision, where Munich is facing opposition from rivals Annecy and Pyeongchang.

"Munich 2018 has had a strong team working towards this day for two years now, and we want to show the immense support we have received from every echelon of society, especially the athletes, right up to the final day in Durban," said Katarina Witt, the chair of Munich 2018.

"We are delighted that so many sports ambassadors, partners and fans are coming to Durban to support us on site; this shows once again that we are truly a bid by athletes for athletes."

Munich's bid will backed by 15 of Munich 2018's 125 sports ambassadors in Durban, bringing with them the experiences of 51 gold, 13 silver and nine bronze Olympic and Paralympic medals.

Georg Hackl, three-time Olympic champion in luge, shared his excitement about travelling to Durban in support of Munich's bid.

'I am thrilled to be one of 15 sports ambassadors supporting Munich 2018 in Durban," he said.

"Munich 2018 is an athlete driven bid and this will be showcased once again by the strong support from numerous athletes who will be on the ground in Durban in the coming weeks."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
June 2011: Munich 2018 unconcerned by logo row
June 2011: Volunteers will make Munich 2018 memorable claims Witt
June 2011: Exclusive - Witt hails record German TV figures as proof of passion for Munich 2018
June 2011: Munich spectacular showcases 2018 Olympic bid
June 2011: Munich 2018 Olympic bid continues to gather momentum