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SINGAPORE : International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Jacques Rogge said Singapore has done an exceptional job hosting the inaugural Youth Olympic Games (YOG) - especially since preparations took just two and a half years.
He also confirmed that some innovative aspects - like having mixed teams, continents competing, and the culture and education programme - will be introduced in traditional Olympics as early as 2016 in Rio de Janeiro.
Mr Rogge was speaking to more than 200 youth athletes at a dialogue session on Wednesday.
The session gathers feedback from the athletes on their experience at the YOG to help shape future editions.
But this much is for sure - Singapore has given its unique touch and personality to the Games.
And as the IOC president puts it - he wants to translate the Spirit of Singapore to London 2012 and Rio 2016.
He is impressed by the high level of competition and sportsmanship.
"The most important factor is you. It's what you want to do with it; we can only offer the opportunity to participate, we can offer you the possibility to have competition, the real success of the Youth Olympic Games is what you make of it and I'm very optimistic for the future," saiud Mr Rogge.
He added that the YOG is also a way to help youth athletes prepare for "further sports" and "for life".
"We also try to tell you that there is life after sports. Your sports career cannot be eternal, you have to prepare for that, and all of that must be embedded in an atmosphere of fun, of friendship and of brotherhood, and that's the YOG," said Mr Rogge.
New elements such as having mixed teams and different countries from the same continent forming teams, will also be adapted for other Olympic games.
Mr Rogge said it may not be introduced immediately in London but may make its appearance in Rio de Janeiro in 2016.
"Meeting new people from other places was excellent. I love the experience and I would like to experience it again further on, in the big Olympics," said 16-year-old Jamaican hurdler Megan Simmonds.
16-year-old fencer Ivania Carballo Barrera from El Salvador participated in a match among continents and the experience has taught her that the Olympics is not all about winning.
"In my case, America, we were a great team. It was really nice to be cheering for other people from different countries. It was a really nice experience and I hope we can do that in senior Olympics," said Barrera.
17-year-old equestrian athlete Xu Zhengyang from China is excited to see the YOG come to Nanjing in four years.
"I (want to see) more Games and cultural and communication activities. The competition not very important I think education and communication is more important," said Xu.
The 20,000 volunteers were not forgotten, as Mr Rogge said they too deserve a gold medal for their effort in ensuring the smooth running of the Games. - CNA /ls
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