Singapore chosen for first Youth Games

Lausanne, Switzerland -- Singapore was selected as the site of the first Summer Youth Olympic Games, the International Olympic Committee said Thursday.

Singapore topped Moscow 53-44 in a mail-in vote by members of the IOC to decide which city would be the host for the Games. The first Summer Youth Olympic Games are scheduled for 2010.

"This is a key moment for the Olympic Movement", said IOC President Jacques Rogge. "Singapore has put together a very exciting project."

Calling the Youth Games "the flagship" in the IOC's efforts to reach out to young people, Rogge said: "These Games will not only be about competition. They will also be the platform through which youngsters will learn about the Olympic values and the benefits of sport, and will share their experiences with other communities around the globe."

The Youth Olympic Games are designed for athletes aged 14-18 and will include sports competitions, programs on Olympic values, the benefits of sport for a healthy lifestyle and the social values sport can deliver, the IOC release said.

The first Youth Olympic Games are expected to have 3,200 athletes and 800 officials participate.

Copyright 2008 by United Press International.