The Youth Olympic Games are planned to be an international multi-sport event held every four years in staggered summer and winter events complementing the current Olympic Games; and will feature athletes between 14 and 18 years of age. The idea for such an event was envisioned in 2001 by International Olympics Council [IOC] president Jacques Rogge.

On 21 Feb 2008, Singapore celebrated when the International Olympic Council announced its decision in Lausanne, Switzerland, in front of an enthusiastic crowd gathered at Padang that the inaugural Summer Youth Olympic Games in 2010 would be held in Singapore.