FIBA - Rogge and Baumann meet media to discuss YOG

DUBAI (Youth Olympic Games) - IOC President Jacques Rogge and FIBA Secretary General and IOC member Patrick Baumann on Tuesday addressed the press on the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) during a media round table at the Sportaccord convention in Dubai.

The first-ever YOG will be held from 14 to 26 August in Singapore. The idea behind the Games is to inspire young people around the world to participate in sport and adopt and live by the Olympic values.

"The Youth Olympic Games are 3 1/2 months away and we are really excited about the upcoming event in Singapore," said Rogge. "The IOC has decided on this new concept only on 6th July 2007, and we are very happy whith what we have achieved with all our stakeholders in the past 3 years."

He emphasized the fact that the YOG are about much more than just sports: "It will be more than World Championships for Youngsters - we will address critical educational aspects such as healthy living, social responsibility, environmental consciousness and respect and fair play to kids aged 15 - 18 years."

The IOC has also introduced the concept of role models being present at the YOG in each sport and on Tuesday announced Olympic pole-vaulting legend Yelena Isinbayeva as an official Ambassador of the Youth Olympic Games. She joins swimming superstar Michael Phelps.

“We have a true champion in Yelena, a true role model for young people. I have no doubt that the 3,600 athletes who come to Singapore this summer will be very impressed with her and will be inspired to dream bigger and accomplish even more than they already have,” Rogge added.

The role models for basketball will be announced at a later date.

Patrick Baumann explained why FIBA has chosen to introduce a new 3on3 basketball format at the YOG: "The Youth Olympic Games cannot be a copy of the Olympic Games for kids. We have to go new and innovative ways and that is why we have embraced the idea of using the YOG as a possibility of launching 3on3 basketball at the top level. We are committed to integrating the new 3on3 format into our official competition structure beyond the YOG."

Former Olympic Champion and IOC member Sergey Bubka and Singapore Organising Committee Chairman Mr NG Ser Miang were also present at the media round table.

FIBA