73 athletes head to Youth Olympics

Korea’s young athletes headed to Singapore yesterday to participate in the first Youth Olympic Games, which kick off later this week. The country is sending 73 athletes to compete in 18 events, including archery, weightlifting, fencing and wrestling.

The sporting events are for athletes aged 14 to 18 and are scheduled to start their 13-day run on Saturday. Some 4,400 athletes and staff from 205 nations are expected to attend the games, competing in 26 events.

The games are similar to the Olympic Games, with each athlete representing his or her country when competing in individual events. There will also be medal ceremonies with national flags and anthems.

On the other hand, there are “mixed teams” in some events, including equestrian sports, in which athletes team up with players from different countries or continents. For these mixed teams, the Olympic flag will be raised during the ceremonies and the Olympic song will be played.

Besides the sporting events, the players will have opportunity to learn and experience each other’s cultures through special festivals, performances and exhibitions.

Yonhap