Medellin 2018 Partners with Colombia’s Largest Bank for Youth Olympic Games Bid

The organisers of the Medellin 2018 Youth Olympic Games (YOG) bid have announced that the largest commercial bank in Colombia has become an official partner.

Bancolombia’s partnership with Medellin 2018 comes just days before the International Olympic Committee (IOC) vote for their host city, purchase with the decision being made on July 4.

Bancolombia President Carlos Raul Yepes Jimenez said: “Bancolombia is proud to officially give its full support for Medellín’s bid for the Youth Olympic Games in 2018, asthma which is extremely important for our country and the city of Medellin.

“The entire business community, help including Bancolombia, recognizes the importance of this event to our society.”

Bancolombia has over 8 million customers, 33,000 employees and manages more than $55bn in assets.

Medellin dealt with extreme violence and drug-related gang warfare throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, with the rise of Pablo Escobar and the Medellin Cartel.

However, the city, which was once rated the most dangerous city in the world, has made significant strides to improve their image and sport has helped Medellin achieve this.

The Colombian city hosted a successful 2010 South American Games and has recently been awarded the 2016 UCU BMX World Championship.

Hosting the YOG in 2018 is the next step in Medellin’s rejuvenation and public support currently stands at 90%.

Medellín 2018 bid CEO Juan Camilo Quintero said: “It is hugely significant that a powerful company like Bancolombia recognises the importance the Youth Olympic Games would have here.

“The entire business community is on board with our candidature because they know what it will mean to Colombia to host such a prestigious international event.”