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The first Youth Olympic Games is more than just a sporting contest for the worlds best teenagers. An in-depth Cultural and Educational Programme incorporates fun, interactive activities crafted along the five educational themes of Olympism, Skills Development, Well-Being and Healthy Lifestyle, Social Responsibility and Expression. These activities aim to engage and inspire athletes to be true Olympians, to adapt and live by the Olympic Values of Excellence, Friendship and Respect, and to play active roles within their communities. A culture and education initiative is the Friends@YOG which is a twinning programme endorsed by the International Olympic Committee. It offers a platform where young people of the world can come together to connect to the Olympic Movement, learn about each others cultures and build lasting friendships. Under Friends@YOG, Singapore schools have been paired up with schools from each of the 205 National Olympic Committees home country. The Bukit Panjang Government High School was paired with New Zealand and were twinned with St Andrews College from Christchurch who visited Bukit Panjang earlier this year. New Zealand Chef de Mission Robyn Wong visited Singapore in April to meet with the school, planning of the team function and the special New Zealand Booth which the school students manage in the Youth Olympic Village. The school played a lead role at the New Zealand team function where they forged close links with the kiwi athletes. The cultural links with Singapore are a vital part of the Youth Olympic Games. It is important for us as New Zealanders to have the chance to better understand and appreciate the culture of this country, Robyn said. Equally it has been an opportunity for the school to learn about our country and our athletes have been very supportive. The Bukit Panjang School presented a special gift presented to the New Zealand team representing youth becoming the stars of the future. There are a number of other international initiatives developed for the Youth Olympic Games including international and local Singapore young ambassadors.
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