Glasgow 2018 will help young people from across the world realise their dreams and ambitions by giving them hope that anything is possible says Olympic gold medallist Andy Murray ahead of his return to Wimbledon next week.
Scotland’s own Murray, who won gold in the men’s singles and silver in the mixed doubles at the London 2012 Olympic Games, was today unveiled as the latest Glasgow 2018 Bid Champion.
The current British men’s No 1 and World No 2 said he believes Glasgow’s ability to put young people at the very heart of the 2018 Youth Olympic Games (YOG) can empower millions across the globe.
The IOC will vote to elect the Host City for the 2018 YOG on July 4 in Lausanne, Switzerland.
Murray said: “The Youth Olympic Games are all about encouraging kids to be champions and to work hard to achieve their goals. Kids need to believe that all of this is possible, I certainly did.
“Things are pretty hard for young people right now and it is vital their interests are at the heart of everything people who have influence do. What better way to do this than to back Glasgow’s bid to bring the inspirational Olympic values back to the UK.
“I think Scotland would embrace a Youth Olympics in a special way to help kids achieve their true potential whatever their dreams are. Even nearly a year on I think we all miss the Olympics; it was a special event and a special time for me here at Wimbledon that I will never forget.
“One of the best things about London 2012 was the way kids got into it and were inspired by some of the amazing performances we saw. We must keep that inspiration alive and empower all our kids to believe they can be champions in their lives just the way we were last summer.
“An amazing way to continue that would be to bring the Youth Olympic Games to Glasgow in 2018.”
Murray joins a growing list of high-profile supporters of the Glasgow 2018 bid. Others include Britain’s greatest ever Olympian and six-time gold medallist Sir Chris Hoy, Glasgow’s Olympic silver medal-winning swimmer Michael Jamieson, Britain’s most successful female rower and Olympic gold medallist Katherine Grainger CBE, world champion boxer Ricky Burns, Olympic gold medallist in taekwondo Jade Jones and Prime Minister David Cameron.
Glasgow 2018 Young Champion, Mahad Ahmed, said: “It is hard to believe that it was only a year ago that Andy won a gold and silver medal at the London 2012 Olympic Games. I can’t wait to see him at Wimbledon this year.
“His performances are a true inspiration showing young people just what is possible if you work hard and believe in yourself. That is exactly what Glasgow 2018 is all about.”
Paul Bush, 2018 Bid Director, said: “We are delighted that Andy Murray has joined our Bid to bring the 2018 Youth Olympic Games to Glasgow. He is exactly the kind of role model our young people need.”