The Glasgow 2018 Bid Team today detailed a concept that promises to realise the rich and powerful potential of the Youth Olympic Games in its 60-minute video conference with the IOC Evaluation Commission. The Bid Team’s opening presentation underlined the key strengths at the heart of Glasgow 2018’s vision: a Youth Olympic Games that will empower young people around the world to become ‘champions in their own lives.’ The vision is founded on Scotland and the UK’s unrivalled track record as strong, stable partners for delivering world-class multi-sports events, and a city with a global reputation as a sporting and cultural powerhouse with young people at its heart. The Bid Team pledged that the Glasgow 2018 YOG, in partnership with the IOC, will enable the Olympic Movement to capitalise on the momentum of London 2012 and deepen its relationship with young people around the world. The Glasgow 2018 panel was chaired by Glasgow 2018 Bid Director, Paul Bush, and comprised: UK Minister for Sport, Hugh Robertson; Scottish Minister for Sport, Shona Robison; IOC Vice-President, Sir Craig Reedie; Leader of Glasgow City Council, Gordon Matheson; Glasgow City Council Chief Executive, George Black; BOA Chairman, Seb Coe; Olympic champion rower and Glasgow 2018 YOG Champion, Katherine Grainger; Chief Executive of Glasgow Life, Bridget McConnell; Director of sport and special projects at Glasgow Life, Ian Hooper; and Shawlands Academy pupil, member of the 2018 Bid Team, and Glasgow 2014 ambassador, Elizabeth Pollard. Shona Robison said: “This conference with the IOC Evaluation Commission was an important milestone for Scottish sport, and I believe that Glasgow has risen to the occasion once again. On behalf of the Scottish Government, I want to reiterate our total, unequivocal commitment to delivering on our promise of a Youth Olympic Games that inspires young people in Scotland and around the world to become champions in their own lives.” Sir Craig Reedie said: “I would like to offer our thanks for the insight that the IOC Evaluation Commission has offered Glasgow 2018’s candidature. This has been a hugely beneficial experience for the Bid Team. The feedback we have received throughout this process will make us even better equipped to partner the IOC in realising the rich and powerful potential of the Youth Olympic Games in 2018.” Gordon Matheson said: “Today I think we showed the IOC Evaluation Commission what the world could expect from Glasgow as a YOG host city. In the last twenty years, our city has developed into one of Europe’s top cultural cities, a Top Ten Must-See city and top ten World Sports City, and now we are shortlisted for the 2015 European Green Capital. We have proven our ability to stage major events time and again and we continue to surprise the world with the inimitable Glaswegian flavour we give them. We are ready to take the next step with the IOC and push the bar even higher.” Seb Coe said: “Today the Evaluation Commission got under the skin of our Candidature File. Their searching questions allowed the panel to share precise details to give them a better understanding and belief that Glasgow 2018 can, in partnership with the IOC, deliver a creative, innovative and global Youth Olympic Games in 2018.” Paul Bush said: “I was very proud to be chairing such an accomplished and passionate panel today. We spoke a great deal about the importance of strong partnerships, and the evidence was right there in the room with the senior representatives of every single Glasgow 2018 stakeholder. Our bid brings together national and municipal government, public agencies, the private sector and the sports community. That collaboration gives Glasgow 2018 the power to deliver world-class venues, open up new opportunities for young people, and inspire them to live healthier, more active lives.”