Today, Friday 14 August 2009, Singapore is celebrating its One Year Countdown to the 1st Summer Youth Olympic Games (YOG).
It is an important milestone for this new event for the IOC and the Olympic Movement in general.
Festivities are being held at the Padang* in Singapore with the countdown kick off at 20:10 - which will be the same time as for the Opening Ceremony next year.
The event features the unveiling of the 1st YOG Countdown clock provided by Omega, Official Timekeeper for Singapore 2010. Other activities include the YOG Carnival - with sports tryouts and activity booths, the Olympic Day Run, concerts and fireworks. A special stamp has been issued by SingPost to commemorate the day!
Since planning and preparations for the inaugural YOG began 17 months ago, the Singapore Organising Committee (SYOGOC) has made excellent progress and is on track to deliver a memorable inaugural Youth Olympic Games. The IOC’s vision is becoming a reality - a sporting event for the youth balancing sport, education and culture within the Olympic Movement, acting as a catalyst for initiatives with young people around the world.
The IOC Coordinating Commission has expressed confidence in the progress made in Singapore to date. In the remaining 365 days to the Games, the IOC will continue to work closely with the Organising Committee to ensure that Singapore delivers an outstanding inaugural Youth Olympic Games.
For more information on the Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games, www.singapore2010.sg and www.whyohgee.sg
- The Padang is a large field in the center of the Singapore where, historically, large public gatherings take place