Buenos Aires wins bid to host 2018 Youth Olympic Games

International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge was in Switzerland on Thursday to announce the winning bid of the 2018 Youth Olympic Games. (Harold Cunningham/Getty Images)

Buenos Aires won the bid on Thursday to host the 2018 Youth Olympic Games, according to AP European Sports Editor Steve Wilson. The announcement was made in Switzerland during a meeting of the International Olympic Committee.

Argentina's capital was voted by the IOC, beating out Medellin and Glasgow. The city will also host the IOC on Sept. 7 when the group meets to vote on its news president as well as the host of the 2020 Olympic Games; the final three candidates are Madrid, Tokyo and Istanbul.

The Youth Olympic Games, which are open to teenagers 14 - 18 years old, were brought about by IOC President Jacques Rogge and were first held over 12 days in September 2010 in Singapore. Nanjing, China will host the next Youth Olympic Games in 2014. Innsbruck, Austria held the winter version of the event in 2012 and Lillehammer, Norway will hold the next winter Youth Olympic Games in 2016.

In addition to competitive events, the Youth Olympic Games also feature cultural exchange programs and opportunities for the young athletes to meet Olympians.

Argentine Olympic Committee President Gereardo Werthein gave his thanks to President Rogge and the entire committee for voting Buenos Aires to be the 2018 host, according to Robert Livingstone of GamesBids.com:

“I am absolutely thrilled that the IOC has awarded the 2018 Youth Olympic Games to Buenos Aires. I would like to express my thanks to President Rogge and all the Members of the IOC who have placed their trust in us and we will not let them down. We feel this is the right time for Buenos Aires, Argentina and the Olympic Movement to join together and advance the cause of Olympism among young people across the globe."

Argentina's head of government Mauricio Macri also spoke on Thursday to the significance of the city winning the bid:

"Over many years, we have been listening and learning and improving the infrastructure in our city – we now look forward to welcoming young athletes from around the globe to enjoy Buenos Aires’ rich and diverse culture and our wonderful sports venues."