Building base for strong future

CEP to be the main feature at Games

The salient feature of the 13-day event, which is expected to attract around 3,600 athletes in the age group of 14-18 competing for top honours in 26 disciplines, is the Culture and Education Programme (CEP), featuring more than 50 fun, interactive and educational activities.

“We want to equip them with the skills to make reasoned, intelligent decisions in life,” said International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge. “The programme will last the duration of the Games and cover a host of topics, including the benefits of leading healthy lifestyles, the dangers of doping, and the value of friendship, solidarity and fair play.

“We want to provide the athletes with the tools to take ownership of their futures. If they choose to continue with sport as a career -- some may even go on to become future Olympians -- they must be fully aware it is not a lifetime occupation. Even the greatest athletes typically end their sporting careers in their 30s. Communicating with athletes in their teens, who are potentially more receptive than their elder peers, is crucial,” said Rogge.

All the CEP activities will centre on the themes of olympism, skills development, well-being, healthy lifestyle, social responsibility and expression.  The young athletes can choose from over 50 CEP activities which will be delivered in different ways.   Workshops will be held in the Athletes' Village to educate them about healthy lifestyles and the prevention of injuries. Famous olympians will conduct chat sessions while important global issues such as personal carbon footprint, HIV prevention, children’s rights and first aid measures will also addressed. They can also learn more about Olympic history and the value of fair play.

Yuki seeded sixth

Yuki Bhambri is seeded sixth in the singles tennis event and drew Germany’s Kevin Krawietz as his first round opponent.

Yuki, who will also be India’s flag bearer, is the lone Indian representative in both singles and doubles boys event and no Indian girl is competing in either singles and doubles events.

Yuki has partnered Philippines’ Jeson Patrombon for the boys doubles event and the pair will open its campaign against fourth seeds Mate Pavic of Czech Republic and Damir Dzumhur of Croatia.