(ATR) A mob accompanied the IOC president's every move through the Olympic Village in Nanjing on Friday.
Thomas Bach visited with athletes and coaches a day ahead of the Opening Ceremony for the second summer edition of the Youth Olympic Games. Surrounded by a crowd of press, athletes, and volunteers, many snapping pictures and posing for selfies, Bach made a point to stop and chat with members of the delegations from Spain, Israel, Argentina, his native Germany, and many more.
"This is a real Olympic atmosphere at its best," said Bach of the village.
As the herd bore down on a group of five Syrian athletes, Bach gestured toward them and a minder got their attention. He spoke with the group and they eventually exchanged pins, a smile on the president's face through it all.
The entourage, which also included Olympic Games executive director Gilbert Felli, wound its way down the village's main thoroughfare before turning and heading into the athletes' residences, an area off limits to the public. Here, things calmed a bit as Bach gave a brief TV interview and snapped a photo on a nearby footbridge with a large group of Mexican athletes.
"That was my sport," Bach said to one young fencer. "That was probably before you were born."
Bach stopped in a dormitory to visit with athletes from Guinea. The country has been hit hard by the current Ebola outbreak and two of its athletes - a swimmer and a judoka - will not be permitted to compete due to safety concerns. Earlier, during his TV interview, Bach lamented their circumstances, along with those of a Nigerian wrestler.
Afterward, spotting a gathering of the entire German team, Bach struck out across the lawn for an impromptu meet and greet with the young Olympians from his home country.
The jaunt wound down with a visit to the dining hall for a meal with members of the Athlete Role Model program. Afterward, Bach left for an appearance at the village welcome party.
"The preparations ... have been going extremely well," said Bach. "You can see this Olympic Village, about which everybody is excited.
"The stage is set for an outstanding Youth Olympic Games."
Written by Nick Devlinin Nanjing
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