Channel NewsAsia - Sunday, April
6
SINGAPORE: The programme for the 2010 Youth Olympic Games and
the exact events will only be ready around August, said YOG
Coordination Commission Chairman Sergey Bubka.
Mr Bubka is part of the International Olympic Committee (IOC)
delegation in Singapore on a three—day visit.
The IOC delegation and their Singapore hosts were given a warm
welcome at a dialogue session at Victoria Junior College on
Saturday.
Students were told the Youth Games will feature 26 Olympic
sports, but the IOC will only highlight particular events within
these sports that appeal to youths.
The international sports federations will play a key role in
selecting these events.
"They will present the programme in detail to the International
Olympic Committee. These events will be appropriate for the
participants who are between 14 and 18 years old," said Mr Bubka,
who is also an ex—Olympian.
He also spoke about the task ahead for the Singapore organising
committee and its Olympic counterparts.
The officials would have to iron out details such as
transportation, security and the development of the Olympic
Village. There are also plans for a workshop to detail more precise
plans.
At the dialogue, students raised probing questions to the likes
of whether the Youth Olympic Games was planned for economic
benefit.
Jacques Rogge, president of the IOC, said: "We do not expect to
generate money out of it. It is purely about values. We want to
offer the youth of the world a unique experience..."
One student asked: "How do we make a difference for the Youth
Olympic Games?"
The IOC president answered: "You can become a volunteer. You can
be a spectator, and you can cheer with the athletes. You can
participate in all these community sites."
More than 600 students and teachers attended the dialogue
session. — CNA/so