by Digger

The feel good sports news item of 2008 has finally arrived!

The first ever Youth Olympics will take place in 2010. Singapore was awarded host honors today by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) after receiving 53 of 97 votes. This new venue was established to create greater sports and Olympic interest among youths of the world. Approximately 3200 teen athletes (ages 14-18) from around the globe will compete in 26 sporting events.

IOC President Jacques Rogge has been credited with inspiring these new games and should be hailed as a true Olympic visionary. It's quite surprising this has never been done on a grand scale before now. As the saying goes, better late than never.

Singapore is ready, willing and excited to be named hosts of this first ever event. They have twice hosted the biennial SouthEast Asian Games.

The Youth Olympics is a tremendous medium which will certainly attract enormous positive coverage while creating deeper enthusiasm for the overall Olympic movement. Qualifying competitions will attract invigorated young athletes striving for athletic perfection and dominance. The Youth Olympics adds an entirely new dimension to an already exceptional field of athletes competing on the worlds greatest stage.

Today marks a historic day in the sporting world.