MIXED-GENDER events and three-on-three basketball are among the games for the inaugural Summer Youth Olympics due in Singapore in 2010. According to a news release from the International Olympic Committee Executive Board, the sports programs for the Games were approved mid this week. Some 3,594 athletes will compete in Singapore in 26 sports comprising 201 events. The number of sports in the programme is identical to the London 2012 programme. Each event has its own age group competing, 15-16 (27 events), 16-17 (111 events) and 17-18 (63 events). Among the changes, however, will be the half court three-on-three basketball format and mixed-gender or mixed-team events in numerous sports, including athletics and cycling. The program includes mixed relays in swimming, modern pentathlon, archery, athletics (medley relay), cycling (combined BMX-mountain bike-road event), equestrian, fencing, judo, table tennis, tennis and triathlon (relay). The participation of all 205 NOCs is the key factor in ensuring the universality of the YOG. In each individual sport, a specific number of places for NOCs (referred to as ‘Universality Places’ will be reserved to ensure that at least four athletes per NOC have the possibility to participate in the YOG. To ensure broad participation, each of the 205 national Olympic committees will be guaranteed spots for at least four athletes. Continental teams will take part in football, handball, hockey and volleyball. The Youth Olympics are a personal project of IOC president Jacques Rogge in his mission to fight obesity and encourage young people to take part in sports. Ends
