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SINGAPORE, Aug. 26, 2010 – On the conclusion of the Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games, the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) extends its congratulations to all Youth Olympic athletes from around the world for participating in and contributing to the successful inaugural staging of the event. The USOC also applauds the International Olympic Committee (IOC), whose vision and commitment to youth have sparked a new generation to live the Olympic spirit, and to the Singapore Organizing Committee, for demonstrating its passion for sport and excellence in staging an event of this magnitude.
The Youth Olympic Games took place in Singapore from Aug. 14-26, welcoming 3,600 young athletes ages 14-18 from 204 National Olympic Committees. The event featured competition in 26 sports and, for the first time, a Culture and Education Program (CEP). The Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games aimed to inspire youth to embrace, embody and express the Olympic values of excellence, friendship and respect.
The USOC congratulates all 82 members of Team USA for their hard-fought performances in Singapore, and more importantly, for being excellent ambassadors for the United States. The U.S. Team concluded the 2010 Youth Olympic Games with 25 medals (6 gold, 9 silver, 10 bronze). The team also came away with invaluable international experience, personal growth, and significant cultural and educational opportunities.
"We could not be more proud of our athletes for all that they accomplished at the first Youth Olympic Games, both on and off the field of play," said USOC CEO Scott Blackmun. "They represented our country with enthusiasm and integrity. They demonstrated the very best of the Olympic Ideals, building friendships with young athletes from around the world while competing to the very best of their ability. That is the essence of Olympism, and we know we will see many great things from these athletes in the years to come."
Four gymnasts represented the USA in the Youth Olympic Games: Savannah Vinsant of Lafayette, La., finished fifth in women’s trampoline; Polina Kozitskiy of Fountainville, Pa., was seventh in the all-around finals for rhythmic gymnastics; Jesse Glenn of Northridge, Calif., was eighth in men’s still rings event finals; and Hunter Brewster of Lafayette, La., placed 11th in men’s trampoline.
“Our gymnasts were great ambassadors for their sport and the United States,” said Steve Penny, president of USA Gymnastics. “We are proud of their accomplishments and competing in the first Youth Olympic Games represents the chance of a lifetime and an opportunity they will remember forever.”
The U.S. Team in Singapore was comprised of 82 athletes in 18 sports, the maximum number of qualified U.S. athletes. Complete information on Team USA can be found at youtholympicgames.teamusa.org.
— Includes information from U.S. Olympic Committee release