Buenos Aires’ 2018 Youth Olympic Games Bid Boosted by Support

Buenos Aires bid for the 2018 Youth Olympic Games has received a boost after former World No. 1 tennis player and U.S. Open Champion Andy Roddick pledged his support.

Marking six months until the International Olympic Committee (IOC) decides on a host city for the 2018 Youth Games, Roddick played in an exhibition tennis match with Buenos Aires Mayor Mauricio Macri, and former Argentine tennis players Jose Luis Clerc and Gaston Gaudio.

The event was held in Roca Park, one of the proposed sports venues in Buenos Aires 2018 plan.

Roddick said: “I have always been a great supporter of the Olympic Movement and the spirit of Olympism. I have been lucky enough to represent my country at two Olympic Games and each time it has been a great honour”.

He added: “During my visit to Buenos Aires, I am impressed by this city’s passion for sport, their enthusiasm for Olympism, and their commitment to become a host city for the Youth Olympic Games. Buenos Aires and Argentina as a whole have a great sporting heritage. The city has excellent sports facilities that will enable athletes to perform at their very best. It would be a great choice for 2018”.

Buenos Aires Mayor Mauricio Macre said: “Here in Buenos Aires and across Argentina we are immensely proud of our sporting heritage and our commitment to Olympism. Today, we can again reaffirm that the national and city governments fully support Buenos Aires’ bid for the 2018 YOG”.

Francisco Irrarazaval, Buenos Aires Under-Secretary of Sport and Chief Executive of the Buenos Aires 2018 bid committee said: “We know that there is still a lot of hard work to be done, but with less than six months to go until the IOC decision in Lausanne, this is an important step in the journey of our 2018 YOG bid and our goal to inspire young people in Argentina, South America and across the world to participate in sport and become the next generation of Olympic Champions”.