The inaugural Youth Olympic Games (YOG) is just one year away with Australian athletes very focused on qualifying for one of the most anticipated youth sporting events on the world stage.
“I am thrilled the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has committed to the YOG in an effort to reach out to young people and promote the benefits of a healthy and active lifestyle,” Olympian and Chef de Mission Nick Green said.
The YOG aims to inspire young people around the world to participate in sports, and adopt and live by the Olympic values. Athletes - aged between 14 and 18 years - will compete in 26 sports and take part in a Culture and Education Programme.
“We hope to send the maximum number of athletes allowed - 100 of Australia’s best young athletes from a range of sports – comprised of 70 individual athletes and approximately 30 athletes in two team sports,” Green said.
“Already we have qualified quota places in archery, canoe/kayak and rowing.”
“The YOG will provide these athletes with an invaluable experience, which we hope in turn, will lead to national representation at the Olympic Games.”
Singapore will host the first-ever YOG from 14 – 26 August 2010, receiving some 5,000 athletes and officials from 205 National Olympic Committees, along with estimated 800 media representatives, 20,000 local and international volunteers, and more than 500,000 spectators.
The sports program is similar to that of the London 2012 Games, with 26 sports comprising 201 events. Some events have been tailored by the International Federations (IF) to appeal to young people, such as basketball which has adopted the FIBA 3 x 3 formula, where teams of three will play against each other on a one half-court.
“The IFs with IOC endorsement, developed the events for the sport program, based on youth relevance. Cycling, Basketball, Triathlon, Equestrian and Modern Pentathlon are the main sports with slight variations to the traditional events of an Olympic program,” Green said.
The Culture and Education program (CEP) aims to educate, engage and influence athletes about important global and sports issues in their communities. The program features fun and interactive activities, integrated into the sport competition schedule.
“We anticipate the CEP will engage our athletes to learn about the Olympic values Excellence, Friendship and Respect at the conclusion of their competition,” Green said.
The One Year to Go countdown will be celebrated in Singapore today (Friday 14 August) with the unveiling of the Omega countdown clock, sporting fun and celebrations with local sports personalities.
AOC
