Final Youth Olympic Games places decided

Selection for the inaugural Youth Olympic Games, YOG, began last year at the 2009 World Rowing Junior Championships and the process was completed earlier this week. The Games will take place in Singapore in August.

Selection has involved a number of steps, starting with participation in the 2009 World Rowing Junior Championships. The majority of the qualification places were awarded based on performance at these Championships, with some additional places based on universality and host country representation. The qualification system was agreed between the International Olympic Committee and FISA, and the relevant National Olympic Committees of the qualified countries had to confirm their acceptance of the places.

A total of 45 countries will be represented in rowing making up the quota allocation of 96 athletes. These athletes will compete in one of the four events: men’s and women's pair and men’s and women’s single. A maximum of one male boat and one female boat per nation is permitted. Twenty-two countries will compete in each of the singles and 13 countries will line up in each of the pairs.

Included in the participation list are all of the top rowing nations including Great Britain, Germany, Australia, China and New Zealand. There are also a number of rowing development nations like Sudan and Albania. Host country Singapore will race in the men’s and women’s single.

“We are proud to have the participation of 45 of our federations for this first Youth Olympic Games,” said Matt Smith, FISA’s Executive Director. “The concept of the YOGs will touch our sport broadly. We look forward to engaging with these rowers in Singapore so they can go back to their countries and pass on the spirit and values they pick up in Singapore.”

Racing will be held over 1000m on the Marina Reservoir which is right in the city. Athletes must be 17 or 18 years old. This means being born between 1.1.1992 and 31.12.1993.

The Youth Olympic Games will take place in Singapore from 14 to 26 August with the rowing regatta from 15 – 18 August. This is the first ever Youth Olympic Games and came about as the IOC aims to create a way of connecting with the youth of the world and encourage Olympic values. The Culture and Education Programme (CEP) forms an integral part of the Games – the balance of sport competition to CEP is expected to be almost equal. “CEP comprises over 50 fun, interactive activities crafted along the 5 educational themes of Olympism, Skills Development, Well-Being and Healthy Lifestyle, Social Responsibility and Expression. Set in 7 formats, these activities aim to engage and inspire athletes to be true Olympians, to adapt and live by the Olympic Values of Excellence, Friendship and Respect, and to play active roles within their communities,” explains the official Singapore 2010 website.

Link to final qualification places:
Qualification system: http://www.worldrowing.com/index.php?pageid=173
Official YOG website:  http://www.singapore2010.sg