The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) is backing a call by Jacques Rogge, President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), for a World Youth Olympics.

AOC President John Coates said today he had discussed the plan with Jacques Rogge and “indicated to the President the AOC’s enthusiastic support”.

The Games would be for young athletes aged between 14 and 18 and could begin in 2010.

The IOC will discuss a viability study at a meeting in Beijing between April 25 and 27.

Rogge said around 3,500 athletes could compete at the Games which would consist largely of the current Olympic disciplines.

Events would be held in existing stadiums.

“We will be sending a full team within the numbers permitted for each National Olympic Committee” Coates said.

“We have been conscious for some time of the need to better relate to our youth” he said.

“This is why we have conducted four Australian Youth Olympic Festivals as the most important legacy of the Sydney Olympics”.

“A World Youth Games will give us the opportunity to try new sports relevant to the younger generation and, as we have experienced with the AYOF, instil in these competitors the important values the Olympic Movement has to offer”.

The AOC is already planning for the next Australian Youth Olympic Festivals in 2009 and 2011 and has provided $4m in funding for each event.

“By continuing our youth festivals we will provide the perfect preparation for athletes aspiring to compete at the world event,” Coates said.

AOC