Singapore, 20 August
2010 - Over 3,600 athletes aged 14-18 from
across the world will have a chance to calculate
the carbon emissions generated by their
training sessions, showers and travel as
part of a United Nations Environment Programme
(UNEP) social responsibility initiative
at the inaugural Youth Olympic Games in
Singapore.
The talented young athletes
at the Games will not only assess the environmental
impact of their daily activities, they will
also learn how they can contribute positively
to sustainable development in their communities.
Theodore Oben, UNEP's
Chief of Outreach said, "These Games
are a fantastic opportunity for the athletes
to truly engage on important environmental
issues. UNEP will organise fun and interesting
activities that will educate the youth on
wide ranging issues, and encourage them
to become environmental stewards."
Some of the activities
that UNEP will be coordinating between 20
to 26 August include:
Bicycle generator: The
athletes will ride a bicycle connected to
a dynamo that produces electricity. By riding
the bicycle they will gain a sense of how
much effort is needed to produce enough
electricity to run a CD player and heat
a mug of water.
Environmental quiz: The young sportsmen
and women will be tested on their knowledge
of biodiversity, climate change, water and
other environmental issues.
Carbon footprint calculator:
Through interactive computer software the
athletes will be able to calculate their
personal carbon footprint and learn the
exact environmental impact of their activities.
They will learn how day-to-day activities
such as taking a hot shower, riding a school
bus or watching television contribute to
greenhouse gas emissions.
Tunza: Interested athletes
will have an opportunity to learn more about
Tunza, UNEP's programme for children, youth
and the environment, and register online
to become a part of the Tunza network: http://www.unep.org/tunza/
Earthlink: In collaboration
with Earthlink - an environmental organisation
at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore
- athletes will be encouraged to put their
thumbprints on posters alongside customised
environmental messages. This activity will
signify their commitment to safeguarding
the environment.
Notes to Editors:
Youth Olympic Games
(YOG)
The YOG is an event
balancing sport, culture and education.
The Culture and Education Programme (CEP)
is hence an integral part of the YOG. In
line with the YOG's mission to educate and
engage young athletes, inspiring them to
play an active role in their communities,
the CEP aims for the athletes to embrace,
embody and express the Olympic values of
Excellence, Friendship and Respect.
For more information
on the Youth Olympic Games and the educational
programme please go to http://www.singapore2010.sg/public/sg2010/en/en_culture_education.html
Tunza
In February 2003, the
Governing Council of UNEP adopted a long-term
strategy for engaging young people in environmental
activities and in the work of UNEP. The
strategy was entitled the Tunza Youth Strategy.
The word "TUNZA" means "to
treat with care or affection" in Kiswahili
(a sub-regional language of Eastern Africa).
The overall Tunza Concept, therefore, is
built around this theme. It is an initiative
that is meant to develop activities in the
areas of capacity building, environmental
awareness, and information exchange, with
a vision to foster a generation of environmentally
conscious citizens, capable of positive
action. Important by-products of this strategy
include the annual Tunza International Youth
Conference, Tunza Advisory Council and a
quarterly Tunza magazine. The Long-term
strategy was renewed by UNEP's Governing
Council in 2009.
For more information on Tunza, please go
to: http://unep.org/tunza/youth/
