The race is on for Glasgow Youth Olympics

07 May 2011..Stewart Maxwell MSP West Scotland / Scottish National Party pictured in the garden lobby during the MSP registration session. Pic - Andrew Cowan/Scottish Parliament

The city has been shortlisted to host the third summer Youth Games, competing with Buenos Aires in Argentina and Medellin in Columbia.

Glasgow is currently in second place behind Medellin, despite receiving 25,000 votes so far - and west of Scotland MSP Stewart Maxwell has urged southsiders to get behind the bid.

The former sports minister told The Extra: “I’m delighted to back Glasgow as host of the 2018 Youth Olympic Games and would urge people to get behind the bid by adding their support online before voting closes next Tuesday July 2.

“With preparations nearing completion for next year’s Commonwealth Games, this is a tremendous chance for Scotland to reinforce its growing reputation as a venue for world-class sporting events.

“The opportunity to host the 2018 Youth Olympics can help build a strong sporting legacy following the 2012 London Olympics and 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

“The Youth Olympics would bring over 3,500 athletes aged 15-18 to Glasgow, competing over 12 days of competition in 28 sports including athletics, volleyball and basketball.

“With some of the best young sporting talent from around the world taking part, what better way to inspire Scotland’s sporting stars of the future?”

Votes will be compiled after the July 2 closing date, to be published and presented to the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which will cast a deciding vote on July 4.

To back Glasgow’s bid, vote in the Online poll.