On the 14th of August, the focus of young people from around the world will turn to Singapore for the first Youth Olympic Games. 3,500 young athletes from 205 countries will take part in its two-week programme of sports and cultural.

Mascots Lyo and Merly, the young ambassadors to the Games from across the five continents together with numerous Olympic heroes, will accompany these young athletes during these special days in Singapore, where sport and culture have been coupled together into a unique programme specially for them.

We wish them all an unforgettable experience, and not just in the competitions or in any exceptional performances, as this event will also help them learn about other cultures, languages and customs, while allowing them to discover and share Olympic values.

But above all, our hope is that these Games will be fun for everybody. And may these youngsters, some of whom will go on to become great Olympians, enjoy participating in sport for pure pleasure.

To all these young athletes and equally to the youth of the whole world who will follow the event from home on the Internet, a great Games to one and all!