The British Olympic Association's (BOA) decision yesterday to back the campaign has been widely praised with optimism running high that they can win, despite a field that already includes Buenos Aires in Argentina, Medellín in Colombia and Guadalajara in Mexico.

"A winning bid will not only ensure that Glasgow is one of a limited number of cities worldwide which has Olympic status, it will build on the legacy created by the 2012 London Olympics and the 2014 Commonwealth Games and further enhance Scotland's already enviable reputation as the perfect stage for hosting major sporting events," said Shona Robison, Scotland's Commonwealth Games and Sports Minister.

The 2018 Olympic Youth Games will involve approximately 3,600 young athletes, aged 15 and 18, participating from around 200 across all of the 28 summer Olympic sports in 12 days of competition.

Glasgow has already been chosen to host the 2015 World Artistic Championships. 

"We are delighted the British Olympic Association (BOA) is backing Glasgow as the UK's Candidate City for the 2018 Youth Olympic Games," said Lord Smith, the chairman of Glasgow 2014.

"Building on the skills and experience being gained through the planning and delivery of an outstanding Commonwealth Games in 2014, Glasgow is ideally placed to create an excellent athlete centred sport focused experience for the world's best young athletes in 2018 in one of the world's friendliest cities.

"As Glasgow gears up to welcome Commonwealth athletes in two years' time, it is clear the city is both capable and enthusiastic about creating a first-class class environment for an international multi-sport festival.

"Gaining the BOA's support to bid for the opportunity to welcome 3,600 young people from across the globe is demonstration of Glasgow's winning credentials for delivering a world-class sporting experience.

"I'm sure everyone at Glasgow 2014 will join me in wishing the city every success with a bid which can play a key role in ensuring the legacy of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games will be tangible for many years to come."

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