YOG 'GREEN' INITIATIVES: The Olympic Games have always been about showcasing the highest standard of sport the world has to offer, but this year, mother earth will also have plenty to cheer about.

The Nanjing Organising Committee for the second summer Youth Olympic Games (NYOGOC) is making every effort to ensure this year’s Youth Games is as environmental friendly as possible.

The term ‘Green YOG’ has been coined by the Organising Committee, who are dedicated to promoting green, low-carbon, energy-saving and sustainable development for the Games and Nanjing as a whole.

Leading the Australian Youth Team in all areas of the YOG is Chef de Mission, Susie O’Neill, who thinks it’s an important part to the Games.

“We live in a green society in Australia and most of the world now, so of course a green Games should be the norm,” O’Neill said.

The NYGOC have outlined several areas they will be focusing on, including environmental management, construction, green traffic, waste disposal and marketing.

Back in 2012 the NYOGOC unveiled the YOG Forest Park. Covering 6700 square feet, it consists of five separate parks - each is themed to pay homage to each of the five major continents - Asia, Africa, Europe, the Americas and Oceania.

Some 1000 volunteers planted trees that will give locals and visitors an idyllic green sanctuary during the Games and for years after the YOG has moved on.

A heavy focus for the Youth Athletes is culture and education, a component of this will be about environmental sustainability both at the Games and in everyday life.

“With so many people from all over the world in the one place it is also important to demonstrate to countries that may not be so 'green' to see how easy it is to make a difference to the environment,” O’Neill said.

The initiatives are aimed at promoting green technology and a low-carbon lifestyle to a younger generation and to reflect the determination of Nanjing to improve the quality of the urban environment.

“The best place to start with education of looking after the environment of course starts with the youth so a great audience for this is the Youth Olympic Games.”

This will include natural, ecological and environmentally-friendly activities which will engage athletes, combining the sports of the games with the culture and education of the city.

If this year’s YOG turns out to be an environmental success, it will set an example for other host cities and act as the new benchmark for future games.

Sam Rawlings
Olympics.com.au
@AUSOlympicTeam