The Olympic Games already have a lasting legacy, with the modern-day Games having been staged since 1896.

Now comes a new addition to the family. In August next yet, Singapore will hosts the inaugural Youth Olympic Games (YOG).

The Games will take place from 14-26 August.

It’s anticipated that the Games will receive some 5,000 athletes and officials from the 205 National Olympic Committees (NOCs), along with an estimated 800 media representatives, 20,000 local and international volunteers, and more than 500,000 spectators.

Young athletes – aged between 14 and 18 years – will compete in 26 sports as well as taking part in Culture and Education programmes.

The Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games aims to inspire youth around the world to embrace, embody and express the Olympic values of Excellence, Friendship and Respect.

It will create a lasting sports, culture and education legacy for Singapore and youths from around the world, as well as enhance and elevate the sporting culture locally and regionally.

South Africa will be part of the inaugural Games and details of qualification criteria will be available on the SASCOC website shortly.