Future Youth Olympic Games Bid Option For Netherlands

Dutch International Olympic Committee member Prince Willem-Alexander said Sunday in Singapore where he was attending the Inaugural Youth Games, that the Netherlands wants to host a future Youth Olympic Games, possibly in 2018 or 2022. But a decision will only be made once they know whether they are successful in their joint bid with Belgium to host the 2018 World Cup, reports the Associated Press.

"It's something that our National Olympic Committee is looking at and it's the reason I'm here", he said. "We first have to wait for the FIFA elections for 2018 and 2022. I hope we win the (bid to host the) football World Cup, but if not, this could be an interesting option".

Dutch NOC secretary general Gerard Dieslesson confirmed that the Netherlands was looking at a future Youth Games bid, saying, "that is indeed the reason why we are here in Singapore, to see it all for our own eyes".

Meanwhile London 2012 organizing committee head Sebastian Coe said Sunday he was sure that the Youth Olympic Games would become a regular fixture in the sports calendar. He said, "while the Youth Olympic Games are a work in progress, I have no reason to believe that they will become anything other than a permanent fixture on the sporting landscape.

"The decision to embark on this project looks like a good one", he said during a visit to the Youth Games in Singapore.

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