A crowd of 27,000 packed a stadium overlooking Singapore’s Marina Bay where a towering flame was lit, signalling the start of the Inaugural Youth Olympic Games.
The crowd cheered on the 3,600 athletes from 204 countries as they made their way across a huge outdoor stage at the Youth Olympic Games Opening Ceremony Saturday, which featured towering puppets and colourful dance performances emphasizing the youthful theme of the Games, reports the Associated Press.
International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Jacques Rogge said, “we open a new chapter in the history of the Olympic Movement. From this moment on, young people around the world have a chance to participate in a global event that combines sport, education and culture”.
The Youth Olympic Games officially start Sunday with the women’s triathlon, and will continue for 12 days featuring athletes ages 14 to 18 competing in 26 sports.
