(ATR) Maori dancers dressed in traditional costumes greeted the Youth Olympic Flame as it landed in the fourth city of its five continent journey.
Auckland, New Zealand represents Oceania on the flame's journey to Singapore.
"It is befitting that the fourth stop in the Flame’s journey is Auckland, a youth-centric and sports-loving city, where the twin pillars of the Youth Olympic Games’ philosophy of sports and education for youth are combined in everyday life," NG Ser Miang, SYOGOC chairman said at the city celebration.
The Flame also enjoyed a "powhiri", a traditional Maori ritual welcoming visitors to New Zealand.
The YOF made its way to the Bucklands Beach Yacht Club. Olympic gold medalist Yvette Corlett and YOG Athlete Role Model Barbara Kendall welcomed the Flame there.
The Flame then traveled to TelstraClear Pacific Events Center to help light the Celebration Cauldron and enjoy the City Celebration. Olympic medalist John Walker and YOG sailor Elise Beavis assisted in lighting the cauldron.
"Traditionally strong in sport, New Zealand has produced many outstanding athletes at the international level," Ser Miang Ng said.
"I am glad that the New Zealand contingent headed for Singapore for the Youth Olympic Games is able to join us in our celebration today. I am sure that many of you will go on to become New Zealand’s future stars of tomorrow."
Auckland also partnered with Singapore’s Ministry of Information, Communication and the Arts to with a 20-minute "Singapore Showcase".
The City Celebration and Singapore Showcase included modern Indian dance, traditional Malay dikir barat mixed with hip-hop and musical selections performed with theChinese er hu, Indian violin and saxophone.
More than 800 children watched the performances at the TelstraClear Pacific Events Center.
The YOF will make its final stop in Seoul before heading to Singapore on Thursday.
The Flame will travel on a six-day torch relay once it reaches Singapore.
ATR coverage of the Youth Olympic Games
is Proudly Presented by Annecy 2018
With reporting from Isia Reaves
For general comments or questions, click here
Últimas Noticias
Sinner-Alcaraz, the duel that came to succeed the three phenomenons
Table tennis: Brazil’s Bruna Costa Alexandre will be Olympic and Paralympic in Paris 2024
Rugby 7s: the best player of 2023 would only play the medal match in Paris
Rhonex Kipruto, owner of the world record for the 10000 meters on the road, was suspended for six years
Katie Ledecky spoke about doping Chinese swimmers: “It’s difficult to go to Paris knowing that we’re going to compete with some of these athletes”
