Lausanne, 11 June some 50 Athlete Role Models (ARMs), of which 21 European champions, will be at the 2010 Youth Olympic Games to guide the 3,600 young athletes who will be in Singapore next 14-26 August.

The list drawn up by the IOC features many legendary names from the world of sport (see below). The role models were appointed by the International Federations taking part in the Youth Olympic Games and by the IOC Athletes Commission.

The ARMs will spend time with the athletes and will participate in activities during the Culture and Education Programme, which will focus on five themes: Olympism and Olympic values, skill development, well-being and healthy lifestyles, social responsibility and expression through digital media.

Athletes at the Youth Olympic Games will be encouraged to engage in conversation with the ARMs, who will attend the competitions, visit the Youth Olympic Village and feature in “Chat with Champions” forums designed to inspire and educate the participants with personal accounts of their own dreams and experiences, and the challenges they have overcome.

Sergey Bubka, an Olympic gold medal-winning pole vaulter and Chair of the IOC Coordination Commission for the 1st Summer Youth Olympic Games, said he is delighted to be an Athlete Role Model and is impressed by the line-up put together. “These are not just great athletes …, these are also inspirational people. I am sure the young athletes will enjoy being around them, and they will learn a great deal about what it takes to be a top athlete and live by the Olympic values.”

The list of Athlete Role Models follows: