At an event memorable for the fact no politicians were involved in the presentation, the Scottish city launched its logo and slogan - "Be a Champion in your life" - with an hour's show that featured a display of gymnastics, street dancing and a performance from the Scottish Youth Theatre. 

The event was led instead by 17-year-old Jasmine Main, the National Theatre of Scotland Champion. 

She was joined by Dame Kelly Holmes, the 2004 Olympic 800 and 1500 metres gold medallist, who spoke about how watching the 1984 Los Angeles Games had inspired her to become an athlete. 

"Any athlete who's ever competed in Glasgow will tell you – this is a very special sports city," she said.

"A Youth Olympics here would be an incredible way to kick-start the careers of the next generation of young athletes.

"They've got world-class facilities, a great history of hosting top sports events, and some of the most passionate fans on the planet.

"Glasgow 2018 is in a great position to make a real contribution to the future of the Olympic Movement."

The bid, which is being lead by Paul Bush, the chief operating officer at EventScotland, faces strong competition from Buenos Aires in Argentina, Guadalajara in Mexico, Poznań in Poland, Medellín in Colombia and Rotterdam in the Netherlands.

The cities have to submit their candidate files to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) by October 15 with a shortlist due to be drawn next February.

A final decision is due in Lausanne on July 3 or 4, 2013.

Glasgow's vision is to try to build on the legacy already achieved through London 2012 as well as plans for the 2014 Commonwealth Games, which the city is hosting. 

"To be given the privilege of hosting the 2018 Youth Olympic Games would be an immense honour for Glasgow, Scotland and the United Kingdom," said Colin Moynihan, the chairman of the British Olympic Association (BOA).

"It would permit all of us from sport, culture and education to ensure that the strong youth legacy of the London 2012 Olympic Games and the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games could continue to enrich the lives of young people, encouraging them to always aim for their personal best.

"Glasgow's track record of hosting international sporting events as well as its passion and commitment to young people make it an excellent host city for the young athletes of the world as they strive towards their own personal Olympic dreams."

Moynihan is part of a small Board for Glasgow 2018 which also includes Shona Robison, Scotland's Minister for the Commonwealth Games and Sport, and Gordon Matheson, the Leader of Glasgow City Council. 


As well as leading the launch celebrations, youngsters were central to the creation of the "Glasgow 2018" word mark which consists of green to reflect Scotland's scenery and Green Glasgow, blue to represent the Scottish Saltire, purple for the country's national flower, the thistle, and pink as a tribute to London 2012. 

"The official launch of Glasgow's bid to host the 2018 Youth Olympic Games showcases the best creative and sporting talent from Glasgow, Scotland and the UK and brings the city's vision for 2018 to life," said Robison.

"Today's launch is unique in being hosted and delivered entirely by young people – they are at the very heart of Glasgow's vision.

"The Youth Olympic Games will provide young athletes with the opportunity to compete at the top of their field, acting as an inspiration for young people throughout the world.

"Hosting the Youth Olympic Games is an exciting prospect for Glasgow and Scotland and we are delighted to be working with Glasgow City Council and the BOA on a bid that will build on the legacy created by London 2012 and the 2014 Commonwealth Games."

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