23 July 2010

Singapore Youth Olympic Games






Dear members of the U.S. Media Core

In less than 20 days the inaugural Youth Olympic Games (YOG) will be taking place in Singapore. This is and International Olympic sanctioned event that will include 205 Countries; 3,000 athletes. Key difference between the regular Olympics and the Youth Olympics is that in the regular Olympics it is the sport competitions that are the key focus; the Youth Olympics (only for athletes 14 to 18) have a Culture and Education programme which has equal emphasis to sport. Mrs. Obama, the 2010 YOG isn’t just about sporting events and winning medals; it’s also about being socially responsible!

The Olympic Torch was lit 23 July in Olympia, Greece and begins its journey to a major city in each continent before arriving in Singapore on Aug. 8th, with a relay that will wind through the streets for the following 6 days. Then on 14 August 2010, the flame will light the beginning of the world's inaugural Youth Olympic Games. The Youth Olympic Games is the first new Games the Olympic Movement has created in 80 years.

Throughout the Games, Singapore 2010 aims to involve the youth of the world and inspire them through an integrated sport, culture and education experience, to embrace, embody and express the Olympic values of Excellence, Friendship and Respect. Singapore 2010 also hopes to inspire true sportsmanship among youths, and promote understanding and harmony among communities and with other nations.

I am a U.S. citizen, 21 year career educator, professional travel and nature photographer and currently living in Singapore. As an educator and concerned global citizen I have witnessed and observed countless senseless acts of discrimination, negative reinforced behavior and a society that seems bent of finding/reporting the worse of what is occurring in the world. As an educator I have struggled to promote racial/cultural diversity in our schools and community. Myself and my husband are volunteers for the Youth Olympic Games for a variety of reasons, but primarily because this event because of the core elements it promotes: respect, friendship and excellence.

I have been emailing and mailing media outlets throughout the United States to garner attention for this event, because it is such a positive focus of social and personal responsibility; for recognizing that we can be different, that are differences are recognized and accepted - and yet not a reply of any sort to even acknowledge the receipt of this information. I am frustrated to see such a great event being introduced to the world, that revolves around up and coming generations and not receiving any attention. In addition, the inaugural event is being held in Singapore. A city/country that is filled with racial and religious diversity that the core of its existence and growth is built upon respect and acknowledging differences.

I hope you will spend a few minutes to check out the website (www.singapore2010.sg). I would just like people to know about event and what is being attempted by its occurrence.

Sincerely

Joann Loudermilk

1 comment:

  1. I recommend looking at the Youth Microsite as well: http://whyohgee.singapore2010.sg/public/whyohgee/en.html

    and the YOG DNA website created by the IOC-YOG team:
    http://www.olympic.org/en/content/YOG/
    These are both meaningful and vibrant webpages created in the name of the Youth Olympic Games for our Youth and for those interested and curious souls :-)

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