May 1 - Two-time Olympic pole vault champion Yelena Isinbayeva (pictured) has joined swimmer Michael Phelps in being named as an ambassador for the Summer Youth Olympic Games in Singapore later this year.



The Russian superstar, 27, will seek to encourage young people worldwide to participate in sporting activity ahead of the Games, which open on August 14.

She said: "I am happy to play such an important role in getting young people active, and the Youth Olympic Games provides the perfect vehicle with which to inspire young people around the world to do incredible things through sport.

"This is a very exciting opportunity for me to pursue whilst I take a break from competition.

"I can't wait for the first Youth Olympic Games to get under way this August.

"I will be in Singapore to support the athletes, to encourage them to do their best and enjoy the whole experience."

International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge said: "We have a true champion in Yelena, a true role model for young people.

"I have no doubt that the 3,600 athletes who come to Singapore this summer will be very impressed with her and will be inspired to dream bigger and accomplish even more than they already have."


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April 2010: Isinbayeva to take break from athletics but promises to be back soon
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