More than 210,000 people voted in the poll on insidethegames and 54.9 per cent of them thought Nanjing, the former capital of China, should be chosen by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) at its Session here today.

The worldwide support for Nanjing on the insidethegames follows the IOC's Evaluation Commission, led by former world 200 metres champion Frankie Fredericks, ranking Nanjing's bid ahead of Poznan.

But Piotr Nurowski, the President of the Polish Olympic Committee (POC), is pinning his hopes on the fact that the IOC will not choose to take this new event to Asia for a second consecutive time having awarded inaugural Games, to be held later this year, to Singapore, when they defeated Poznan.

He said: "Having now been deeply involved with two bids for Poznan to host the Youth Olympic Games I have become a passionate fan of this event.

"Having experienced the extraordinary Asian culture at the Olympic Games in Beijing I can't wait for Singapore.

"I believe that the Youth Olympic Games can do so much for so many young people from so many different cultures.

"A Youth Olympic Games in Poland, in the very heart of Europe, will introduce all these wonderful young athletes and supporters to our European culture, many for the first time.

"We are ready to welcome them to Poland's sporting capital for what I know would be a truly spectacular Games."

An important weapon in Poznan's campaign will be Irina Szewinska, winner of seven Olympic medals, including three gold, who is now a member of the IOC.

She said: "I was sceptical about the Youth Olympic Games when I first heard about it.

"But now I truly believe that Olympism must generate a new audience of young people and I also know what Olympism can do for young people.

"When I was a young athlete one of the first great international events that I competed at took place in Tokyo [in 1964].

"I will never forget this event; it left a lasting impression on me and convinced me that the world of international sport was where I wanted to be.

"I am sure that the same feelings have been experienced by so many young people who have been lucky enough to take part in international competition.

"I know that, should Poznan get the opportunity to host so many young athletes from all over the world in 2014, all of them will take home unforgettable memories from staying and competing in this perfect city, which could have been built specially for this event.

"Olympism needs them and I can’t wait to welcome them all."

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