Medellín's bid to host the 2018 Summer Youth Olympic Games has received a huge boost after it was recognised as the world's most innovative city in a global competition conducted by American newspaper Wall Street Journal.
The competition saw the Wall Street Journal, banking group Citi and non-profit research and education organisation Urban Land Institute (ULI) team up together on a year-long search to determine the international city that most deserved the title.
Medellín, the second largest city in Colombia, eventually won out over finalists New York and Tel Aviv following its remarkable renaissance over the last two decades.
Once the centre of the country's drugs trade, the Medellín Cartel was at the height of its operation making $60 million (£39 million/€45 million) a day exporting illegal substances around the world.
But in the last 20 years, the city has undergone a miraculous transformation, dubbed the "Medellín Miracle" which has seen it become one of Colombia's leading tourist destinations.
"Few cities have transformed the way that Medellín has in the past 20 years," said a ULI statement on the competition winners.
"But a change in the institutional fabric of the city may be as important as the tangible infrastructure projects.
"The local Government, along with businesses, community organisations and universities worked together to fight violence and to modernise Medellín."
Medellín are currently bidding against Buenos Aires and Glasgow for the right to stage the 2018 Youth Olympic Games.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) set to vote on the host city at their Extraordinary Session in Lausanne on July 4 this year and Medellín Mayor Aníbal Gaviria hopes the latest accolade could help swing the Youth Olympic Games vote in their favour.
"Medellín stands today as an example for many cities around the world because despite having lived through difficult times 20 years ago, we have undergone a true metamorphosis," said Gaviria.
"We are now a city filled with life thanks to the innovative approach taken at every step, both in social programmes and urban development.
"Through events like the Youth Olympic Games, it is our dream to welcome the international community and show the world what is happening here in Medellín."
The ULI compiled an initial list in 2012 of 200 cities based on eight criteria ranging from culture and liveability to education and infrastructure.
This list was narrowed through three rounds of voting through a mix of scientific research by the ULI and public voting system.
Medellín was overwhelmingly praised for its innovation in civic spaces such as its modern and architectural unique libraries and art galleries.
It was also praised for its transport system and social investment in education, sport and cultural activities.
By Tom Degun
Source: www.insidethegames.biz