U.S. Olympic Committee Young Ambassador Travels to Singapore in Preparation for Youth Olympic Games

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - The U.S. Olympic Committee's (USOC) Young Ambassador for the 2010 Youth Olympic Games, Erin Kennedy, and a delegation from the USOC will travel to the host city of Singapore this weekend for the Singapore 2010 Culture and Education Programme (CEP) Seminar. Held from March 20-25, the seminar will give Kennedy a better understanding of the CEP activities and enable her to encourage athlete participation during the Games.

During the seminar, the Young Ambassadors from each National Olympic Committee will participate in a variety of cultural experiences, from outdoor adventure challenges to environmental exploration to trying various local foods. The highlight of the five-day program will be a dialogue with International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Jacques Rogge, allowing the participants to hear his vision for the Olympic Movement and see how their role is vital to the success of the Youth Olympic Games. Also on the schedule is a conversation with World record pole vaulter Sergey Bubka.

Kennedy, who serves as the Youth Development Manager for USA Rugby, was selected as the U.S. Young Ambassador in January. Her role at the 2010 Youth Olympic Games will be to encourage Team USA athletes to participate in the cultural and educational activities that will be part of the Games, along with supporting the U.S. Chef de Mission. As a new initiative developed by the IOC, the Young Ambassador will also participate in the youth sport forums and report on the activities for the IOC and USOC.

About the 2010 Youth Olympic Games
Singapore will be hosting the inaugural Youth Olympic Games from Aug. 14-26, 2010, as young athletes age 14-18 will compete in 26 sports and take part in the Culture and Education Program. Approximately 5,000 athletes and officials from around the world will participate, attracting more than 500,000 spectators. The Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games aim to inspire youth around the world to embrace, embody and express the Olympic Values. More information can be found at www.singapore2010.sg.