Concept of Youth Games takes firm foothold in Asia and beyond, says OCA President

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Concept of Youth Games takes firm foothold in Asia and beyond, says OCA President

(Xinhua) 10:17, August 18, 2013

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The President of the Olympic Council of Asia, Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah, said on Saturday that the concept of the Youth Games had already taken a firm foothold in Asia and beyond, and that the organization of the 2nd Asian Youth Games in Nanjing pointed to the success of the IOC's 2nd Youth Olympic Games in the same Chinese city in one year's time.

In his opening address to the media at the AYG Main Press Center, the OCA President said the AYG had made a big impact on three main fronts: the innovative online torch relay that had connected the youth of Asia via the internet; the fact that the 950 media attending the AYG included six students from the OCA's Youth Reporter Project; and that a tight budget had not affected the quality of the AYG operations and infrastructure.

In addition, the 16 sports and 122 events have attracted 3,500 athletes and officials from 45 countries and regions, plus the AYG will be supported by a record 13,500 volunteers.

"All these points are very exciting and make anyone involved in the sports movement proud about this success," said Sheikh Ahmad.

"At the opening ceremony yesterday (Friday), there were 20 IOC members in attendance from different continents and they were very satisfied and confident about the success of the Youth Olympic Games next year."

Sheikh Ahmad said the OCA's wide portfolio of multi-sport games, as well as regional games, was helping to create international-standard sports stadiums and infrastructure around the continent.

"Our job is to create events and share those events around Asia," he added.

Sheikh Ahmad also revealed that the OCA was considering adding beach track and field to the Asian Beach Games sports program in Phuket, Thailand, in November 2014 after meeting with athletics officials in Nanjing. The disciplines were now being discussed.

In response to questions from the media, the OCA President said the financial rewards in modern-day sport was changing the attitude of parents regarding the old debate of sport versus education, and said the 2nd AYG was the first step on the long road to Olympic gold in Rio 2016 via the 2nd Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing next August and the 17th Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea, in September 2014.

"That means we are giving the chance and creating the right environment for young athletes to make it to the top, step by step. If they have a dream they have to work hard to achieve this success," he said.

Sheikh Ahmad held the press conference on a busy day of activities, which included a tour of the Athletes' Village and presenting the first gold medal of the 2nd AYG at weightlifting, followed by the official dinner.

（Editor：DuMingming、Zhang Qian）