Phelps named as first ambassador for Youth Olympic Games

MICHAEL Phelps has been named as the first ambassador of inaugural Youth Olympic Games in Singapore later this year.

BIG NAME: The IOC name Olympic swimming legend Michael Phelps as the first ambassador for the inaugural Youth Olympic Games in Singapore this summer (Getty Images)

A brainchild of IOC president Jacques Rogge, the inaugural Games are set to take place in Singapore in August with competitors, aged 14-18, competing in one of 26 different Olympic sports.

The first Winter Youth Olympic Games are set to follow in Innsbruck in 2012, with a similar model to the successful European Youth Olympic Festivals which have been running bi-annually since 1991 (summer) and 1993 (winter).

And Phelps, who has 16 Olympic medals to his name including 14 golds, admitted he was looking forward to getting his teeth stuck into the promotion of the event.

"The Youth Olympic Games is an excellent initiative, not only for the athletes competing but also those who are inspired to get into sport and be more active," said Phelps.

"I am delighted that I have been given the opportunity to become the first official Ambassador of the Youth Olympic Games.

"I can't wait to get working with the YOG team to promote the first event this summer."

Rogge added: "We are delighted that Michael is supporting our efforts to launch the Youth Olympic Games.

"Preparations for the inaugural edition in Singapore are on track and the IOC is looking forward to welcoming 3,600 athletes to Singapore this summer."