Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos is leading the Medellin 2018 bid delegation in its official presentation to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) July 4 in Lausanne, Switzerland.
President Santos said, “the Youth Olympic Games will represent the largest and most important international event to take place in this country’s history – and the impact it will have on both the republic of Colombia and the city of Medellin cannot be underestimated. We are committed to making this dream come true”.
President Santos is to spend two days in Lausanne to prepare the team and will address IOC members at the IOC Session. He will be joined by Anibal Gavina Correa, Mayor of Medellin.
Santos added, “it is an honour to lead the Medellin team in Lausanne and explain the impact the Games will have on Colombia to the leaders of the Olympic Movement. Medellin is a living example of the power of sport and its impact on the lives of young people, and the Olympic ideals inspire generations through its positive values. It is an ideal fit for the Youth Olympic Games.
“As President of Colombia, I guarantee not only the financial backing to meet the needs to host the event, but the safety of all visitors who will come to take part in this festival of sport, beginning with the young athletes. Medellin has already demonstrated through hosting other events the power of its people and the passion with which they work every day and how they make things happen. It is time for the world to see what we can do”.
The cities bidding for the 2018 Youth Games – Buenos Aires, Glasgow and Medellin – will make their presentations to the IOC July 4. The vote and host city announcement will occur immediately after.
