The International Olympic Committee (IOC) launched its Young Ambassador Program in Singapore on Tuesday.

The new initiative engages 30 young people nominated by their National Olympic Committees (NOCs) to help promote the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in their regions and communities and support the athletes before and during the Games as well as during their participation in the Culture and Education Program (CEP).

The CEP aims to educate, engage and influence young people in sport and the Olympic values, inspiring them to play an active role in their communities, and the Young Ambassadors will help facilitate this goal. The program also gives athletes advice on careers in sport, social responsibilities and other lifestyle choices.

The Young Ambassadors are between the ages of 18 and 28, come from a variety of backgrounds and represent countries.

IOC President Jacques Rogge, who is in Singapore for a three-day visit, met here with the Young Ambassadors Tuesday morning to discuss their mission.

Rogge said, "The Young Ambassador program is a very effective way of reaching out to young people around the world to promote the YOG and the Olympic values. The NOCs have selected very talented individuals and I am looking forward to seeing them in action with their delegation and in their respective communities."

On Monday, the Singapore Olympic Foundation was launched as the first YOG draws near. The fund will be used to support the Aug. 14-26 Games, and will also be used to train local athletes for other major sport events.