A total of 3,600 athletes aged 14 to 18 from around the world competed across all 26 Olympic disciplines. The Games saw plenty of exciting firsts, including new sport formats and mixed gender teams. The young people got a taste of the Olympic Values through the culture and education programme, which focused on skills development, social responsibility, well-being and a healthy lifestyle.
The athletes were joined by 29 Young Reporters who provided content to the international media, while 30 Young Ambassadors supported and mentored their national delegations.
Over 40 Athlete Role Models from International Federations and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) offered advice on how to embrace the Olympic Values of excellence, friendship and respect. They were accompanied by 1,850 officials and some 20,000 volunteers who helped make the organisational aspect of the Games a success.
IOC President Jacques Rogge said: 'Congratulations and thank you, Singapore, for a job superbly done. You rose brilliantly to the challenge of combining elite sport, modern education and culture.
'Throughout these 12 days, we all enjoyed the warm hospitality of the public authorities, of the very successful Organising Committee and of the 20,000 wonderful volunteers. These Games were full of innovation, creativity, joy and a sharing of Olympic Values.'
