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Mexico City, Mexico: The Youth Olympic Flame has made its third stop on a tour that spans five continents, arriving in Mexico City, one of the most populous capital cities in the world.
The Journey of the Youth Olympic Flame in Mexico City coincides with celebrations to mark Mexico’s 200 years of independence, and signalled the start of a two-day City Celebration.
Together with Mexican athletes, sports and government officals, and members of the Singapore Youth Olympic Games Organising Committee, the Flame went on parade through Mexico City.
The Mexican leg of the Flame’s journey included a visit to a community centre catering to less privileged youth in Iztapalapa; Ecoguarda Centre - a place dedicated to teaching Mexicans about protecting their environment; and Hidalgo Garden in Coyoacán, a town that is popular with artists and musicians.
The Journey of the Youth Olympic Flame climaxed at the Government Palace of Mexico City, where the Flamewas lit and passed to Mexico City, representing the Americas.
The Flame then proceeded to Zocalo, the main square in the heart of the historic centre of Mexico City.
“Mexico was the first Latin-American host of the Olympic Games in 1968. Along with that, we saw the first female athlete, Enriqueta Basilio, to light the Olympic cauldron" noted Mr Ser Miang NG, Chairman of the Singapore Youth Olympic Games Organising Committee, in his speech to kick off celebrations.
"Through the Journey of the Youth Olympic Flame, we hope to connect and inspire the youth of the Americas to continue to embrace and live the Olympic values of Excellence, Friendship and Respect” he added.
Mexico's fiesta featured a Singapore Showcase extravaganza with a line-up that included Ethnicity, an ethnic fusion pop band, singer Erick Guansing and Singapore Idol finalist Gayle Nerva.
The crowd was also treated to fancy footwork by “The Roses”, a spunky all-girl hip hop group and Singapore’s own “Football Freestylers” who combine football and dance.
The Journey of the Youth Olympic Flame is a 13-day odyssey to celebration cities, representing five continents, around the world.
The Flame arrives in Singapore on 6 August for a traditional six-day torch relay around the island nation before the torch ignites the cauldron of the Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games, during the Opening Ceremony of the inaugural games.
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