Nanjing wins bid for 2014 Youth Olympic Games

By Lei Lei (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2010-02-11 08:29

Nanjing wins the host right of 2014 Youth Olympic Games By Lei Lei VANCOUVER, Canada: Nanjing, capital city of Jiangsu province, won the host right for the 2nd Summer Youth Olympic Games in 2014, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced on Feb 10.

During the 122nd IOC Session in Vancouver, Nanjing received 47 votes to edge out runner-up Poznan, Poland, which received 42 votes.

"We are looking forward to working with Nanjing, and are confident the Youth Olympic Games in 2014 will be a success," said IOC President Jacques Rogge.

According to an IOC press release, President Rogge will soon establish a Coordination Commission to assist Nanjing throughout its preparation period.

"The preparation period for the second summer edition of the Youth Olympic Games will take four-and-a-half years, which will allow Nanjing to match both the expectations of the IOC and the athletes in producing a programme of sport, culture and education that is of the very highest standard," Rogge said.

Some 3,600 athletes ranging in ages from 15 to 18 are expected to compete at the 2nd Summer Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing in 2014, which will feature competitions in 26 sports.

The Youth Olympic Games are the culmination of the IOC's determination to reach out to young people. Far more than merely being about competition, the Games are also a platform on which young people can learn about the Olympic values and the benefits of sport, while sharing their experiences with people from around the globe.

Nanjing became the first Youth Olympic Games host city directly elected in an IOC Session; previously Singapore (2010) and Innsbruck (2012) were selected by IOC members via postal vote.