YOG athletes to get involved in environmental initiatives

Dylan Loh, Channel NewsAsia 31 Oct 09;

SINGAPORE: The Singapore organisers of the inaugural Youth Olympics Games (YOG) in 2010 are planning for the event to be environmentally-friendly.

Members of the public pledged their commitment towards cultivating environmentally-friendly habits, by leaving their footprints on clay to form an art piece.

The art piece will be on display during the 2010 YOG, and is part of a programme to encourage athletes to learn about environmental sustainability.

The organising committee is partnering with HortPark to promote
environmentally-friendly practices among athletes taking part in the Games.

This is part of its Culture and Education Programme, and will see athletes exploring HortPark's gardens to learn more about human impact on the ecosystem.

Dr Amy Khor, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Environment and Water Resources, said: "Youths, you know, are the future leaders and in fact, the owners of this world. It is really important to promote greater awareness about such environmental issues and challenges in them from as early as possible, and to get them to adopt green and clean habits and lifestyles so that these become part of their DNA."

- CNA/sc