The Netherlands’ 2nd most populated city, Rotterdam, is conducting a feasibility study to determine whether or not the locale should formally present a bid for the 2023 Youth Olympic Games.
The city, host of the 10th largest port in the world, previously put forth a bid for the 2018 edition of the same event, but saw the Games awarded to Buenos Aires instead.
The Youth Olympic Games (YOG), organized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) are held every four years, staggering winter and summer, with the first summer edition held in 2010 and the first winter Games held in 2012. Athletes must fall into the ages of 14 and 18 in to qualify for the international, multi-sport competition, which was originally developed in response to both childhood obesity worldwide, as well as a global decrease in youth sport participation.
Of the 2023 bidding prospect, Andre Bolhuis, President of the Netherlands Olympic Committee “Netherlands Sports Federation” said, “we are pleased to have such an enthusiastic partner for this beautiful event as Rotterdam.”
Additionally, the Rotterdam Councillor responsible for sports and recreation stated, “by bidding for this event we hope to motivate and inspire people, both abroad and in the Netherlands. It is a chance to discover and come into contact with other cultures and have fun together. These Olympics provide a great opportunity for our city”.
Hobart, Australia, as well as New York City and Monterrey, Mexico have expressed interest in potentially bidding for the 2023 Youth Olympic Games. For Rotterdam, it’s speculated that, if successful, its bid could act as a springboard for a possible 2028 Olympic and Paralympic bid.