Werthein, an IOC member himself, was speaking as Buenos Aires officially launched its bid to host the 2018 Youth Olympic Games (YOG) by signing the official YOG Candidature Procedure to confirm their acceptance of the IOC rules and deadlines governing the bid process.

The YOG Candidature Procedure was signed by Werthein on behalf of the National Olympic Committee while the Mayor of Buenos Aires Mauricio Macri, also signed the document on behalf of the city.

"It is a great honour for Buenos Aires, Argentina and our National Olympic Committee to bid for the 2018 Youth Olympic Games," said the COA President.

"Buenos Aires 2018 believes that the Youth Olympic Games is a unique international platform for the Olympic Family and young athletes to gather and celebrate Olympic values, young sporting talent and the importance of education and culture.

"We are in an excellent position to be a valuable partner to the IOC to advance the reach and the impact of the YOG and we look forward to setting out our case to host the summer edition of 2018."


The Argentinian capital, which is a major tourist destination, faces strong competition on five fronts from Glasgow in Britain, Guadalajara in Mexico, Medellín in Colombia, Poznan in Poland and Rotterdam in the Netherlands.

The IOC will produce a short list of Candidate Cities in January 2013, before announcing the winning Host City in the summer of 2013.

But Buenos Aires will be confident of impressing the IOC with their claim that they will use the event to help build on the legacy of the nearby Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Brazil and spread the message of Olympism to the youth of South America.

"Buenos Aires' youthful population provides the city with amazing energy, vibrancy and creativity," added the Mayor of Buenos Aires.

"There is a great sense of optimism in the city, built on our recent national economic success and a positive social and political outlook.

"With our ambition, clear focus on youth and passion for sport, Buenos Aires can be an excellent host for the 2018 Youth Olympic Games."

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