Q&A with IOC President Jacques Rogge

In an exclusive interview with World Rowing, IOC President Jacques Rogge talks about the Youth Olympic Games.

World Rowing: The Youth Olympic Games (YOG) is your idea. These first YOG must be an emotional moment for you.  How do you feel personally?
IOC President: I said at the opening press conference that I felt like an expectant father awaiting the birth of a newborn. Now that the baby is here, I am both thrilled and proud. I can’t wait to see it continue to grow.

World Rowing: How would you spell out the main differences between Olympic Games and Youth Olympic Games?
IOC President: The Youth Olympic Games are even more about other activities, not just sport. The main difference is that the Youth Olympic Games provide an environment where young athletes are encouraged to learn, share and build friendships through a supporting Culture and Education Programme. These Games will provide them with a broad understanding of international competition and exposure to many different sports and cultures. 
Another big difference is the introduction of exciting new sporting formats by the International Federations. These include 3-on-3 basketball and events featuring teams of mixed gender and nationality.

World Rowing: Singapore, with its mix of culture seems to be a perfect place to host these first YOG and its cultural programme.  Do you have the same reading?
IOC President: Singapore has a rich and vibrant cultural heritage. In many ways the country is proving to be a fantastic first host for the Youth Olympic Games, in particular with the Cultural and Education Programme. It is greatly beneficial to have a local population on hand that exemplifies how people of different cultures and backgrounds can live and work together as one.

World Rowing: Why is universality especially important at the YOG?
IOC President: We are very pleased that 204 National Olympic Committees are taking part in the inaugural Youth Olympic Games. As the Youth Olympic Games are about learning and sharing, greater diversity can produce better and more meaningful discussions among the athletes. The Youth Olympic Games are a celebration of the world’s youth, and that celebration would not be possible without such a large pool of athletes representing so many backgrounds.

World Rowing: Rowing is proud and thrilled to be here.  What do you think about the importance of the sports present at the YOG as their development is concerned?
IOC President: For the International Federations (IF) taking part, the Youth Olympic Games is a chance to inspire young people to take up their sports and to educate the athletes who are here how to become champions both on the field of play and in life. In addition, we took a more flexible and creative approach to the Youth Olympic Games and encouraged the IFs to do the same. Some decided to introduce new events, while others took the opportunity to hold mixed-gender and mixed-nationality events.  The response so far has been incredibly positive.

World Rowing: What do you want the younger to take home in particular?
IOC President: I want the athletes to first and foremost have fun and enjoy their experiences in Singapore. But we also want them to go home inspired by the values of Olympism, namely the pursuit of excellence, friendship and respect for each other and social values such as the environment. I want these young people to have a wonderful time at these Games, to have an Olympic experience that they can take away with them and share with their friends around the world.

World Rowing: As an Olympian, what would your advice be to a participant here?
IOC President: My advice is to soak up as much as you can while you are here. Enjoy every minute, every conversation with your fellow athletes, every interaction with former and current Olympians, everything. Competing in your sport is only part of the entire Olympic experience, so when you can, get out and interact as much as possible. You will always be glad you did!

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