Today, Thursday 25 May, marks 500 days to go to the opening ceremony of Buenos Aires 2018. The event begins on October 6th next year and will be the third summer edition of the Youth Olympic Games.
New Zealand will be represented at the Games by a team of our most exciting and promising young athletes aged between 15 and 18. Around 4,000 athletes from 206 countries will compete at the Games, with 31 sports to be contested.
Four sports have been added to the Buenos Aires 2018 programme; dancesport, karate, roller sports and sport climbing will all be contested at the Games. The new sports are expected to bring great value in terms of engagement, as they have a wide audience reach among youth that will engage and unify a large number of people. New disciplines have also been included in existing sports, with futsal, beach handball, BMX freestyle and kiteboarding to be contested.
Buenos Aires 2018 Chairman Gerardo Werthein believes preparations are on track for a fantastic Games.
“We will encourage the development of young athletes and the community through the Olympic values, engage with young people around the world interactively, and build a lasting legacy that will benefit society as a whole.”
He says the games will also bring new life into the city of Buenos Aires which is home to almost 3 million people.
“The aim of Buenos Aires 2018 is to leave a real legacy before, during and after the celebration of the Games, bringing sport to people and organising activities that promote culture and education, as well as strengthening urban development through infrastructure projects in the city.”
Games CEO Leandro Larrosa says work on Games facilities is progressing well.
“We are constructing 31 buildings and 1,200 apartments. After the Games, the houses will become affordable housing for the local community. In addition, venues and existing infrastructure will be reconditioned for competitions and training sessions.”
The proposal of Buenos Aires 2018 is to serve as a catalyst – through cultural, sport, and educational activities based on Olympism and its values, in addition to the infrastructure works that are on the way – for human, urban and social development in the city. The goal is to leave a real mark and legacy before, during, and after the Games, by bringing sports closer to people and creating activities that promote culture and education.
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