Life size puppets at the closing ceremony of the Commonwealth Youth Games
Hope of mankind rests with world’s youth: Secretary-General
18 October 2008
He urges young people to strive for excellence in sport and in building strength of character
The 1,300 young people who had competed in the Third Commonwealth Youth Games held in Pune, India, from 12 to 18 October 2008, were applauded for their sporting spirit and enthusiasm.
In an address to the 17,000 spectators at the stadium in Pune at the closing ceremony of the Youth Games on 18 October, Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma commended the young sportsmen and sportswomen for their perseverance and optimism in aiming for gold.
A total of 71 Commonwealth countries and territories took part in nine disciplines in the Youth Games - athletics, badminton, boxing, shooting, swimming, table tennis, tennis, weightlifting and wrestling. India emerged as the overall champion, winning 33 gold medals, 26 silver and 17 bronze medals.
The Secretary-General encouraged the young sportsmen and sportswomen to continue to strive towards excellence in their respective fields. He expressed hope that the champions who had won awards at the Youth Games will go on to win more laurels in the years to come.
Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma at the closing ceremony of Commonwealth Youth Games in Pune, India
Mr Sharma said the Commonwealth accords particular importance to young people in all aspects of its work as their potential to contribute to society is valued.
"Young people will inherit the 21st century. The hope of mankind rests with the youth of the world," said the Secretary-General.
He stressed that the confidence that is instilled in young people through sport is a positive attribute. The Youth Games, he said, has created enormous interest in the forthcoming Commonwealth Games to be held in New Delhi in 2010.
The Youth Games in Pune drew to a close in a colourful parade by the participants and the synchronised performances by school children. The event was topped off by the pulsating song and dance routines by popular Indian artistes which filled the stadium with loud cheers and applause.
The Fourth Commonwealth Youth Games will be held in the Isle of Man, UK, in September 2011.
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