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13 Feb 2013
Glasgow has made the shortlist of the world cities bidding to host the 2018 Summer Youth Olympic Games.
It will now compete with Buenos Aires and the Columbian city of Medellin for the right to host the prestigious event, which is expected to attract more than 3,000 athletes from 205 countries from around the globe.
The decision was taken by the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) ruling Executive Board in Lausanne earlier today.
It comes a year after the British Olympic Association put Glasgow forward as the United Kingdom’s bidding city for the event
Glasgow’s preparations for the 2014 Commonwealth Games, which has seen the development of a host of new facilities such as the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, was a major factor in the city making the final three.
The next stages of the process will see the bid team take part in a video conference with the IOC next month before a final evaluation report is prepared on what Glasgow has to offer.
The winner will then be announced in Lausanne on July 4.
Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson MSP said:
“It is tremendous news that Glasgow is now within touching distance of hosting the 2018 Summer Youth Olympic Games.
“With preparations moving apace for next year’s Commonwealth Games, the city has put itself in a strong position in offering a world class bid.
“Glasgow is one of the world’s great sporting cities and winning the right to host this prestigious event would cement that well-earned reputation, as well as creating a wonderful legacy.
“Hosting the Youth Olympics would give all our young athletes the motivation to become the stars of tomorrow.
“Let’s hope we can now get over the finishing line when the final decision is announced in July.”
