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Singapore to host First Summer Youth Olympic Games in 2010

Singapore will host the 1st Summer Youth Olympic Games in 2010. The result was unveiled by IOC President Jacques Rogge at the Olympic Museum in Lausanne. IOC Members voted by mail and Singapore beat Moscow in the final by 53 votes to 44. "The Youth Olympic Games are the flagship of the IOC's determination to reach out to young people. These Games will not only be about competition. They will also be the platform through which youngsters will learn about Olympic values and the benefits of sport, and share their experiences with other communities around the globe. We are looking forward to joining in the celebration in Singapore in 2010," Rogge commented on the decision.The Youth Olympic Games aim to bring together approximately 3,200 athletes - aged 14 to 18 - from around the world to participate in high-level competitions. The sports programme will encompass all sports on the programme of the 2012 Summer Games with a limited number of disciplines and events.In accordance with the IWF's decision, approved by the IOC, weightlifting will feature on the Games with the following criteria:Bodyweight Categories (11 Events) Women: 48kg, 53kg, 58kg, 63kg and +63kg Men: 56kg, 62kg, 69kg, 77kg, 85kg and +85kg               Age Group:   16-17 yearsIn 6 (six) competition days and the quota is 110 competitors altogether."We congratulate to Singapore, which is most capable of hosting the Youth Games at a high level. The Games will certainly give a further impetus to the development of our sport and its popularity among the young," said Dr. Tamás Aján, IWF President, commenting on the

Pan America has new officials

The Weightlifting Federation of Chile, under the able guidance of President Cristian Harthey Silva, organized the Electoral Congress of the Pan American Weightlifting Federation, 14-17 February 2008. The Congress in Santiago de Chile that convened representatives from 23 countries of the Continent was held in a pleasant environment and at a high standard of hospitality. The presence of the IWF President, Dr. Tamás Aján assured that all procedures went in accordance with the rules of the PWF and the IWF. Delegates expressed their gratitude to the outgoing President, Andres Vargas (PUR) and General Secretary, Jose Herrera (VEN) for their devoted activities.At the top of the new Executive body of the Federation Willian Ozuna (DOM) was elected as President for the next term. The General Secretary is David Montero Gomez (BRA) and the Treasurer is Luis Zambrano Andrade (ECU).Vice-Presidents are: Rafael Pacho Gonzalez (CUB), Andres Vargas (PUR), Kyle Pierce (USA), Eduardo Gonzalez (VEN) and Dr. Rosalio A. Alvarado (MEX).A group photo of the Congress participantsIWF President Dr. Tamás Aján with Pan American officials - President Willian Ozuna on the

IWF President visits Teheran for Namdjou Cup

The new leadership of the Iranian Weightlifting Federation, under the baton of Mr. Bahram Afsharzadeh, an experienced leader and former NOC General Secretary, has set a new line of governance in the country's weightlifting sport. In an attempt to reunite the heros of the past, great champions like Mahmoud Namdjou or Mohamed Nassiri, and the Iranian and international elite of today, they revived the Namdjou Cup and organised its 8th edition in Teheran.In a large-scale event with substantial international participation, competitors enjoy the benefits of a venue built and used specifically and exclusively for weightlifting. Dr. Tamás Aján, IWF President and IOC Member highlighted the competitions with his presence. The IWF President also used his presence in Teheran to visit the office of the Asian Weightlifting Federation General