Colombian President Santos to Lead Medellin 2018 Delegation for Youth Olympic Games Presentation to IOC

Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos will express the full support of his country for the Youth Olympic Games by leading the Medellín 2018 bid delegation in its official presentation to the International Olympic Committee on 4 July 2013.

The President has taken a personal interest in Medellín’s bid ever since the Colombian Olympic Committee announced the city’s candidacy last year – and has provided his strongest endorsement for the bid at every opportunity.

"The Youth Olympic Games will represent the largest and most important international event to take place in my country’s history -- and the impact it will have on both the Republic of Colombia and the city of Medellín cannot be understated," President Santos explained. "We are committed to making this dream come true."

The news further strengthens Medellín’s bid for staging the 2018 Youth Olympic Games as the bid process enters its final days. President Santos will spend two days in Lausanne, Switzerland, to prepare with the team and he will address IOC members during the extraordinary IOC Session. He will be joined in Lausanne by the Mayor of Medellin, Aníbal Gaviria Correa, who has worked closely with the Colombian President on the bid efforts.

"It is an honour to lead the Medellín team in Lausanne and explain the impact the Games will have on Colombia to the leaders of the Olympic Movement," affirmed Santos. "Medellín 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," assured Colombia’s President.

"Medellín 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."

Presentations by each of the three cities bidding for the 2018 Youth Olympic Games will be made to the IOC on 4 July, with the vote and host city announcement occurring immediately after.

For more information contact the Medellin 2018 media office at media@medellin2018.org.

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