Water work

The Cook Islands contingent is in good spirits in Singapore, which is hosting the inaugural Youth Olympic Games (YOG) from August 14 to 26.

The Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games have some 5000 athletes and officials from the 204 National Olympic Committees (NOCs), along with estimated 1900 media representatives, 20,000 local and international volunteers, and 320,000 spectators.

Young athletes - aged between 14 and 18 years – are competing in 26 sports and taking part in the Culture and Education Programme.

The Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games aims to inspire youth around the world to embrace, embody and express the Olympic values of Excellence, Friendship and Respect. It will create a lasting sports, culture and education legacy for Singapore and youths from around the world, as well as enhance and elevate the sporting culture locally and regionally.

Meanwhile, the International Olympic Committee honoured the President of the Republic of Singapore, S R Nathan with the Gold Olympic Order, its most esteemed tribute to individuals who have upheld the ideals of the Olympic movement and have advanced the cause of sport in the world.

Dr Jacques Rogge, President of the IOC, bestowed the Gold Order on President Nathan in a presentation at The Float@Marina Bay prior to the Opening Ceremony of the Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games. Following the award, 108 members of the International Olympic Committee were officially presented to President Nathan.

On August 13, the IOC had presented the Gold Olympic Order to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong as well, in recognition of Singapore’s hosting of the inaugural Youth Olympic Games and the country’s outstanding merit in embracing and embodying the values and ideals espoused by the Olympic Movement. - MT

For more information, please visit www.singapore2010.sg

CI team competing well – page 16