Singapore was elected to host the inaugural summer Youth Olympic Games in 2010 by the IOC President Jacques Rogge on the 21 February 2008 at the Olympic Museum in Lausanne. Nine cities took part in the candidature process with Singapore beating Moscow in the final 53 votes to 44.

The Youth Olympic Games aims to inspire young people around the world to participate in sport and adopt and live by the Olympic values. It was during its session in Guatemala in July 2007 that the IOC decided to create a new sporting event to educate, engage and influence young athletes inspiring them to play an active role in their communities.