Olympic pole-vaulting legend Yelena Isinbayeva today became an official Ambassador of the Youth Olympic Games. She joins swimming superstar Michael Phelps, who was announced as an Ambassador in February.
Two-time Olympic gold medallist Isinbayeva will support the Youth Olympic Games by encouraging the participation of young people in sport around the world.
Isinbayeva said: “I am happy to play such an important role in getting young people active, and the Youth Olympic Games provides the perfect vehicle with which to inspire young people around the world to do incredible things through sport.
“This is a very exciting opportunity for me to pursue whilst I take a break from competition. I look forward to having a positive impact on young people and can’t wait for the first Youth Olympic Games to get under way this August. I will be in Singapore to support the athletes, to encourage them to do their best and enjoy the whole experience.”
IOC President Jacques Rogge said: “We have a true champion in Yelena, a true role model for young people. I have no doubt that the 3,600 athletes who come to Singapore this summer will be very impressed with her and will be inspired to dream bigger and accomplish even more than they already have.”
The first-ever Youth Olympic Games will be held from 14 to 26 August in Singapore. The mission of the Youth Olympic Games is to inspire young people around the world to participate in sport and adopt and live by the Olympic values.
For more information on the Youth Olympic Games, visit: www.olympic.org/youtholympicgames
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