Have you heard about this?
The Youth Olympic Games … will feature athletes between the ages of 14 and 18. The idea for such an event was envisioned in 2001 by International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Jacques Rogge. On July 6, 2007, IOC members at the 119th IOC session in Guatemala City approved the creation of a youth version of the Olympic Games. …
Each participating country would send at least four athletes. The athlete will be chosen at least 18 months in advance, which suggests that some could be chosen as young as age 12. At least one IOC member criticized the plan …
Several other Olympic events for youth, like the European Youth Olympic Festival held every other year with summer and winter versions, and the Australian Youth Olympic Festival, have proven successful; the Youth Games would most likely be modeled after these. …
Here’s a cute promo video featuring some youth athletes used as part of the successful Singapore bid.
Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.
Less cute, but far more informative is this Singapore 2010 Concept Video (3min) also used as part of the bid. Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.
I love Singapore. And am confident they will be even better hosts for a big Games than Beijing in 2008.
6th World Congress on Biomechanics
(via Kat on Chalk Bucket)
Now …
Are youth Olympics a good idea?
The whole concept flies against some of the things said by FIG President Bruno Grandi over the past year.
Leave a comment if you have an opinion.
Gymnastics Coaching.com 