3500 athletes, 80 young shooters among them, pursuing their Olympic dream at the inaugural Youth Olympic Games edition in Singapore.
The Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games kicked off last Saturday night, with the city's skyline providing a magnificent backdrop to an exciting opening ceremony followed by 30000 people who met at the Marina Bay, the “heart” of the Singapore’s Youth Olympic Games.
More the 3500 athletes coming from 204 countries will compete in 26 sports, during the inaugural Youth Olympic Games in Singapore. Between them, 80 young shooters aged 17 and 18 years, who will participate in four competitions: 10m Air Rifle and 10m Air Pistol, Men and Women events.
"From this moment on, young people from around the world have a chance to participate in a global event that combines sport, education and culture," IOC president Jacques Rogge said during the Opening Ceremony.
"Throughout this programme, our young Olympians will take part in activities and discussions on global and social issues as well as learn how they can make a positive impact in their community," added Singapore’s President S R Nathan.
Spectators were on their feet clapping and cheering when the competitors entered from both sides of the stage of the Marina Bay venue. Three young shooters finished in the spotlights as flag bearers of their countries: Syeda Sadia Sultana for Bangladesh, Elvin Aroldo Lopez Calderon for Guatemala and Bahya Al-Hamad for Qatar.
Throughout the show, fireworks lit the sky. More than 2,000 were used and they were synchronised to the music and shot from the crowns of various buildings around Marina Bay. More than 5,000 performers, including children from 47 Singapore schools, were involved in the ceremony.
At the end, Olympic swimming legend Michael Phelps (USA), who won eight gold medals at the Beijing 2008 Games, reminded the young athletes that winning was not everything.
"Do your best but above all, have fun," Phelps said in a video address.
The first Shooting Competition, the 10m Air Rifle Men Junior event, will take place on the 22nd of August, at the Singapore Sports School, at 12.00 AM!
Follow the results of the match on the YOG Webpage!