15 reasons why we love Buenos Aires 2018: No.7 – The Four Parks
As the countdown to the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) Buenos Aires 2018 continues, we are highlighting 15 reasons to get excited ahead of the 3rd Summer YOG.
The YOG Buenos Aires 2018 are set to introduce an exciting new concept this October by taking the YOG directly to young people around the city.
Throughout the Games, sports events and other activities will be held in four themed parks in areas of Buenos Aires where young people usually gather, making it easier than ever for them to experience the YOG.
Access to each of the four parks will be free, with visitors able to experience a unique fusion of elite sport competitions, music, culture and arts festivals, as well as sports initiations, showcasing and educational programmes.
“In partnership with the IOC and the International Federations, we have developed a new approach to the YOG based on each park, giving athletes and spectators a unique experience reflecting the different flavours of Buenos Aires and Argentina, and also of each of the sports involved,” explained Leandro Larrosa, CEO of Buenos Aires 2018. “This park concept mixes competition venues with celebration sites, all linked together in the sameenvironment.”
The Youth Olympic Centre, located in the southern district of Buenos Aires, will be the heart of the YOG, hosting events in almost half of the 32 sports as well as the Youth Olympic Village. Activities here will focus on multiculturalism and gender equality.
The Tecnópolis Park, meanwhile, is located in the western district of the city and will aim to highlight innovation and new technologies, as well as hosting events in six sports.
To the east of the Tecnópolis Park, the Green Park runs three kilometres along the scenic banks of the River Plate, adjacent to downtown Buenos Aires. Here, activities will be held relating to sustainability and healthy lifestyles, while sports will include triathlon, cycling, equestrian and tennis.
Finally, the Urban Park – located to the east of the city – will highlight youth and street culture, with events including 3x3 basketball, BMX freestyle and breaking.
Each of the parks will offer sports initiations, giving visitors the chance to try out 30 different sports with a youthful focus, including urban table tennis, bossaball and roller freestyle, as well as baseball/softball, frontball and slackline. Local young people will even have the opportunity to access some of the YOG venues after events have finished to take part in free “Train with Champions” sessions with Olympians.