The first ever Summer Youth Olympic Games will be held August 14-26, 2010, in Singapore, and 3,600 athletes are expected to participate in 201 events in 30 disciplines. The ages of the athletes range from 15 to 18 years old.

A group of 96 athletes from Russia has left for Singapore.

Alexander Zhukov's speech:

Friends and young Russian Olympians,

You have been bestowed with a great honour - to compete at the first ever Youth Olympic Games. You have already achieved so much in sports thanks to your talent, persistence in training and will to win. Your coaches have put their hearts and souls, as well as a lot of time and effort, into training you, and this has enabled you to become the best in the country. Now you have the opportunity to become the best in the world! You are so beautiful and young. Do not be afraid; you will succeed. And follow your dreams, the more so now that you are so close to achieving them.

The Youth Olympic Games in Singapore are not just a competition. The cultural and educational component of the programme will allow you to express yourselves as fully-developed persons and make many new friends. And this time will be something that you will remember forever.

Do not forget that you are representing Russia - a country with a rich cultural history and a legacy of achievement in sports. Millions of your compatriots will be cheering you on. Be an example for them!

Let the Youth Olympics in Singapore be a great start to an illustrious career in sports! Let your coaches see the results of their dedication and hard work.

We wish you luck and every success! I'm sure that Russia will be proud of you!