Singapore, 23 July – The first Youth Olympic Flame has  been  lit in Ancient Olympia, Greece, from where it will travel to five cities across the globe – Berlin, Dakar, Mexico City, Auckland and Seoul then to enter the stadium for the Opening Ceremony next August 14.

In March 2009, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) did in effect decide that torch relays for all future Olympic Games must be held within the host country, but an exception has been made for the first Youth Olympic Games. In order to connect the youth of the world to the Olympic movement, SYOGOC has been granted the honor of bringing the first Youth Olympic Flame to all five continents.