1st Youth Olympic Games
Singapore (SIN), August 14 – 26, 2010

Presidential Address

SINGAPORE (SIN), FIG Office, August 14, 2010: International Olympic Committee (IOC) President and creator of the Youth Olympic Games concept, Jacques Rogge, described his feelings about the inaugural Games today as “a father waiting in the delivery room”. However, he hopes staging the Games will be somewhat easier than educating his own kids, Rogge added with a smile at this morning’s Opening Press Conference in Singapore (SIN).

The IOC President is absolutely thrilled with the remarkable preparation of the Games by the Singapore Youth Olympic Games Organising Committee (SYOGOC), who had a mere 2 1/2 years to get ready from the day their bid was approved to today’s Opening Ceremony. A relatively short time period, considering the fact that organising committees of traditional Olympic Games get seven years to prepare.

No major problems have been reported so far, and both International Sports Federations (IFs) and National Olympic Committees (NOCs) are satisfied with the installations. Rogge said he is pleased with the universality of these Youth Olympic Games and with all 205 NOCs being represented in Singapore.

Last night’s welcome party at the Youth Olympic Village (YOV) was permeated with a youthful spirit, while a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere got everyone in the mood for the Games.

Rogge looks at this first edition of an ambitious project as the start of a successful series that will be well observed, monitored, evaluated and hopefully improved in the future.

With some 166 countries airing the Singapore Youth Olympic Games and 25 countries covering the Opening and Closing Ceremonies live, the IOC President is pleased with Media interest.

The IOC has always understood its mission to go beyond simply organising sport events. With extensive efforts to provide education, the concept of the Youth Olympic Games includes a Cultural and Education Programme (CEP) that aims to reach out to young athletes at an age when they are still receptive to new concepts. Through the CEP, the IOC is investing in the education of its athletes, helping them to develop skills for life, social responsibilities and a strong belief in Olympic values.

When asked about the pressure these young athletes might feel at the Youth Olympic Games, President Rogge remained unaffected, stating that the competition formats have been carefully assessed in collaboration with the IFs and tailored to fit the needs and developmental stages of Junior athletes.

Commenting on tonight’s Opening Ceremony, Rogge promised an innovative show with elements that have not yet been seen at any of the traditional Games; hopefully these will put a smile on the faces of the 3,600 participating athletes and spectators worldwide.

Let the show begin!