For the first time, young athletes will have their own Olympic event. The Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in Singapore are a chance for them to compete, learn, make friends and experience the joy of sport on a global stage. These young athletes will also be living in a unique and extraordinary place, the Youth Olympic Village (YOV), just like the champions they watch on television. This Village, which opens today, will host the best athletes representing 205 National Olympic Committees (NOCs). And on 13 August (8.30pm Singapore time), the WOW!Comes Youth Session welcoming the athletes to the Village will be live on internet. In total, almost 5,000 athletes and team officials, who will have until 26 August 2010 a remarkable sporting and human adventure.

The tranquillity of a campus
Located amidst the lush greenery of Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Campus, the YOV will provide comfortable accommodation and services, from a laundry to a digital media centre, from a foreign currency exchange booth to a post office. Everything is being done to ensure that the athletes enjoy a memorable experience. Thanks to a quiet environment, the athletes will have time to rest peacefully, prepare for competition, socialise and participate in specially designed cultural and educational activities.

A World Culture Village
In Singapore, there will be also an outstanding Culture and Education Programme in which to participate – it will be both fun and interactive. Located at the heart of the Village, the Village Square will offer a unique opportunity to discover the history and culture of all participating NOCs: the World Culture Village exhibition. On the programme will be musical performances, concerts, cultural and educational activities, dialogues with Olympians, and various other forums on sport-related topics. The YOV will be a perfect place to relax and concentrate on sporting excellence while learning to live together; and where memories of friendships will be formed. There is no doubt that in Singapore in August, the best young athletes of the world will be sharing both a high-level sporting event and an unforgettable cultural experience.

Follow the YOG live on www.youtholympicgames.org