To mark the announcement, the 37-year-old veteran National Basketball Association (NBA) player joined 300 youngsters at the historic Club Gimnasia y Esgrima Villa del Parque in the downtown area of Argentina's capital.

The students took part in a 3x3 basketball skills clinic, which was followed by a "Chat with Champion" session and live painting using basketball and the Olympic values as inspiration.

"I am honoured to be an ambassador for the Youth Olympics, especially in my home town," Scola said.

"Being here and seeing the excitement from all the kids is just a taste of what is to come.

"Buenos Aires 2018 are constantly forward thinking to make sure this is an event that appeals to young people and I can’t wait to be a part of it.

"It will really be a special atmosphere here next October."

Scola, who has competed in 10 NBA seasons, was chosen by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for his "international sporting achievements and willingness to support the next generation through the YOG in his home nation".

He won Olympic gold at Athens 2004 before claiming bronze at Beijing 2008 and serving as Argentina’s flagbearer at Rio 2016.

Scola is renowned for being one of "the golden generation" of Argentinian basketball players who, over a 12-year period, through their achievements at major tournaments, have changed the face of basketball nationwide in terms of its professionalism, style of play and team spirit.

Off the field of play, he is an active member of the IOC’s Athletes’ Commission, representing the views and interests of current and future Olympians, and has supported community events that have reached close to 400,000 people with sport and cultural activities in the build-up to Buenos Aires 2018.

Scola announced earlier this month that he will leave the Brooklyn Nets to continue his career in China with the Shanxi Brave Dragons.

In becoming an ambassador for the Games, which are scheduled to take place from October 6 to 18 next year, he joins fellow Argentinian and four-time Olympic hockey medallist Luciana Aymar.

The IOC chooses Olympians to be ambassadors for each edition of the YOG to help reach and inspire young people to get active.

Sporting legends such as Jamaican sprint king Usain Bolt, American swimming legend Michael Phelps and Russian pole vaulter Yelena Isinbayeva have supported previous Summer YOGs.

Others to have done so include golfer Michelle Wie of the United States, Chinese basketball player Yao Ming and South African swimmer Chad le Clos.