SINGAPORE (AP) — The Youth Olympic cauldron has been lit, signaling the start of the inaugural, 12-day event.
A jubilant crowd of 27,000 packed a makeshift stadium overlooking Singapore’s Marina Bay to cheer on the 3,600 athletes from 204 countries as they made their way across a huge outdoors stage.
The two-hour ceremony was filled with fireworks, towering puppets and colorful dance performances that emphasized the youthful theme of the games while showcasing Singapore’s transformation from a dreary trading port to a modern metropolis.
The Youth Olympics, which finish Aug. 26, officially starts Sunday with the women’s triathlon. It will continue for 12 days and feature athletes competing in 12 sports.
