The citizens of Medellín have put their full support behind the city’s bid to host the 2018 Youth Olympic Games as massive celebrations took place in the city to commemorate the global Olympic Day.
Over 50,000 residents gathered in the city centre on a typical sunny day in Medellín to participate in the official Olympic Day 5K run – the biggest ever held in Colombia – and to give a visible sign to the international community that the city is in full support and ready to welcome the Youth Olympic Games in 2018.
The show of support from the citizens of Colombia’s 2nd largest city underscores the desire to communicate its story of social transformation and demonstrate that Medellín would be the perfect fit to host the Youth Olympic Games – in a safe and vibrant city that has a huge passion for sport.
The day’s events were led by Aníbal Gaviria Correa, Mayor of Medellín who wore a symbolic pink runner’s jersey with the # 00001, and whose emotion was evident at the overwhelming public turnout.
"Clearly our most significant support comes from the people. This incredible participation on Olympic Day shows that the Olympic spirit is alive in Medellín," said the Mayor following the run. "Today’s event shows that we have the capacity and are ready to organise such a big event, and the wonderful people of Medellín are committed to this opportunity to bring the Youth Olympic Games to our city."
"Again we see that Medellín is definitely the ideal fit for an event like the Youth Olympic Games," said Colombian Minister of Sport Andres Botero Phillipsbourne, who is also an IOC Member. "This is a unique day in our history, and this Olympic Day Run proves that Medellín has the capability necessary to be the host city. The people of Medellín and all those who participated in today’s events across the country are committed to showing how important hosting this event is to our community."
The sheer size of the event created a river of people who moved along the streets of downtown Medellín, which were closed to traffic for the occasion. Citizens both young and old dressed in vibrant colours to both participate and watch the huge event, which created a bouncing display of the Olympic rings that coursed through the city.
"This is what makes Medellín so impressive,’" remarked Baltazar Medina, President of the Colombian Olympic Committee who also participated in the run. "This amazing support of the Olympic Day Run shows the passion for sport in our country, and demonstrates how unique an experience can be created with the hosting of big events. The citizens are the ones who want to show the international community that we are ready to bring the Youth Olympic Games to Colombia. Thanks to all of the participants today for their desire to obtain this Olympic dream."
The decision on the 2018 Youth Olympic Games host city will be made during the IOC Session on 4 July 2013 in Lausanne, Switzerland.
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