SINGAPORE, March 25, 2010 - The President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Jacques Rogge, today wrapped up a successful trip to Singapore in the lead-up to the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in August. The trip included a tour of the sports venues, Culture and Education Programme activities, and participation in the seminar organised for the National Olympic Committees (NOCs) that will send athletes to the YOG.

During his three-day visit, the President visited the Youth Olympic Village, Games venues, the Opening and Closing Ceremony location and the Intelligent Transport Systems Centre.  He also took part in the Chefs de Mission seminar, which provided the delegation heads of NOCs with information and advice on how to prepare the athletes who will compete in August.  During his trip, he also devoted time to giving motivational speeches to the staff of the Singapore Youth Olympic Games Organising Committee (SYOGOC) and local university students.

President Rogge said, “This visit to Singapore has been a fruitful and constructive one, and I am pleased with the way the preparations for the Youth Olympic Games are unfolding. The Singapore Youth Olympic Games Organising Committee is doing a great job, and it warms me to see that their enthusiasm for the upcoming Games matches mine. I am looking forward to a superb first edition this August.”

The President was also on hand to launch the Young Ambassador programme, a new initiative that engages 30 young people nominated by their NOCs to help promote the YOG in their regions and communities, and support the athletes before and during the Games as well as during their participation in the Culture and Education Programme (CEP).

Rogge spoke with each of the 30 ambassadors, who range in age from 18 to 28, and the 60 CEP Champions, local representatives who will promote and facilitate the Culture and Education Programme developed by the Singapore Youth Olympic Games Organising Committee and the IOC.

In addition to paying a courtesy call on Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, President Rogge also met the Singapore National Olympic Council President and Deputy Prime Minister, Teo Chee Hean; the Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports, Vivian Balakrishnan; and other dignitaries.

“We are honoured and privileged to have the President of the IOC visiting Singapore again. We are encouraged by his positive feedback and encouragement.  As we move closer to the opening of the Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games in August, I would like to invite everyone around the world to start celebrating the inaugural Games with us.  Together with our partners, Singapore is committed to delivering a successful Games – one that is meaningful and memorable,” said SYOGOC Chairman and IOC Vice-President Ng Ser Miang.

The Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games will take place from 14 to 26 August.

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