Nathan issued a rallying call to Singaporeans ahead of the Opening Ceremony, which is due to take place at the Marina Bay floating platform on August 14.

He said: "Singapore's successful bid for the Youth Olympic Games has created many opportunities for the community to be part of the YOG, and make it possible for the best young athletes from over 200 National Olympic Committees to gather in Singapore to compete at the highest level in their age group.

"In our YOG journey, let us remind ourselves that it is not just about hosting a successful event; it is also about pursuing our passions, be the best in whatever we choose to do and make a difference in our own lives as well as that of others around us."

The flame, lit using the sun's rays in Ancient Olympia last month, travelled to Berlin, Dakar, Mexico City, Auckland and Seoul before arriving in Singapore yesterday afternoon.

Over the next few days, 2,400 torchbearers, including world pole vault record holder Sergey Bubka, the chairman of the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) Coordination Commission, will carry the torch across Singapore, which is only 710.2 kilometres (441.2 miles)2.


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