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SINGAPORE: The newly formed organising committee of the inaugural Youth Olympic Games on Friday will update the president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Singapore's preparations for the event in 2010.
Jacques Rogge, the IOC president, will start his three-day visit to Singapore on Friday.
Dr Rogge and his five-member delegation will be given a first-hand account of what has been done here, as Singapore prepares to host the Youth Olympic Games in 2010.
The IOC chief will also have a dialogue session with students at Victoria Junior College on Saturday. Students from primary, secondary and tertiary levels will be attending the event.
He will also visit Nanyang Technological University and Singapore Sports School.
Another highlight of his visit will be the signing of the Host City Contract at the Istana, which will be witnessed by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
Dr Rogge's visit coincides with more good news for Singapore – the city-state has just been given provisional membership into the International Skating Union (ISU), which means Singapore can now participate in big events such as the Winter Olympic Games.
Singapore received the approval after announcing plans to build an Olympic-sized rink by 2009.
Singapore Ice Skating Association (Sisa) president Sonja Chong said: "I am already receiving calls from Singaporean skaters living overseas... They wanted to know how they can become members of the Singapore Ice Skating Association. I am sure there will be more people popping up... (including those) Singaporeans (who) have been training overseas."
For Singapore to take part in the Asian Winter Games in 2011, its skaters will need more international exposure, better coaches and more funding.
In order to increase the talent pool in Singapore, Sisa is reaching out to more schools. About 10 schools currently offer the sport. - CNA/ac
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