SINGAPORE: Five-times Olympic gold-medallist Steven Redgrave is one of the big names who'll be giving advice to Singapore's Olympic athletes. Joining the rower are Japanese Olympic marathon runner, Yuko Arimori and Singapore's sprint legend and Olympian, C Kunalan.

The veterans will share their experience as part of VISA's global effort in partnering the Olympic Games.

Ex-Olympic Sprinter, C Kunalan, said: "From now, we will be available to the athletes. I think it is like 24 hours - maybe through e-mail or something like that - so that they can check with us on any aspect."

The final list of athletes representing Singapore for the Olympics will be decided in June. About 23 athletes from six sports will be flying the country's flag in Beijing.

On the home front, organisers gave an update on the Youth Olympic Games, which will see 26 sports being contested.

According to the Chairman of the Organising Committee for the Youth Olympic Games, Ng Ser Miang, Singapore may not take part in all 26 sports for the inaugural Youth Olympic Games in 2010.

Mr Ng, who was speaking at the launch of the Team VISA mentorship programme on Tuesday, said: "It's not the case where Singapore would take part in all the sports. We would like to, but this may not be the case. And also there will be qualifying standards for some of the sports."

In fact, Singapore does not have a National Sports Association (NSA) for three sports - which are wrestling, handball and modern pentathlon. These sports are now setting up their NSA, with help from the International Federations.

Mr Ng said medals will be issued for the Games, but details on ceremonies like the national anthem will be decided later.

But before the buzz comes to town, Singapore athletes are hoping to get the nation all excited for Beijing.

Among them is shuttler Ronald Susilo, who wants to focus on the task ahead. He has agreed with ex-girlfriend, Li Jiawei, to resolve their personal differences after the Games. Susilo also agreed that the new mentor scheme would benefit the athletes.

Under the scheme, there will be a series of road shows leading up to the Olympics to drum up support for Team Singapore. - CNA/vm