IOC announces sport stars lineup supporting first Youth Olympic Games

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced on Tuesday the list of Singapore 2010 Athlete Role Models (ARMs) for the inaugural Youth Olympic Games from August 14 to 26 in Singapore.

Chinese diving queen Guo Jingjing and former short track speed skating star Yang Yang are among the 45-strong list that features many legendary names from the world of sport.

The role models were appointed by the International Federations taking part in the Youth Olympic Games and by the IOC Athletes' Commission.

The Athlete Role Models will be in Singapore to mentor the 3,600 young athletes who are expected to attend the Youth Olympic Games.

Among other activities, the ARMs will spend time with the athletes and will participate in activities during the Culture and Education Program, which will focus on five themes: Olympism and Olympic values, skill development, well-being and healthy lifestyles, social responsibility and expression through digital media.

Athletes at the Youth Olympic Games will be encouraged to engage in conversation with the ARMs, who will attend the competitions, visit the Youth Olympic Village and feature in "Chat with Champions " forums designed to inspire and educate the participants with personal accounts of their own dreams and experiences, and the challenges they have overcome.

Sergey Bubka, an Olympic gold medal winning pole vaulter and Chairman of the IOC Coordination Commission for the first Summer Youth Olympic Games, said he is delighted to be an Athlete Role Model and is impressed by the lineup put together by the International Federations and Athletes' Commission.

"These are not just great athletes the International Federations have chosen, these are also inspirational people. I am sure the young athletes will enjoy being around them, and they will learn a great deal about what it takes to be a top athlete and live by the Olympic values," he said.

Source:Xinhua