Mark Chay, 32, double Olympian and Cecilia Low, 23, a world champion sailor, have been appointed Chef de Mission and Young Ambassador respectively for the upcoming Nanjing 2014 Youth Olympic Games (YOG).
Chay, a former national swimmer who represented Singapore at the 2000 and 2004 Olympic Games, will lead the Singapore contingent as Chef de Mission. A passionate advocate of sports, Chay’s experience in managing sports and athletes will put him in good stead in his debut role as Chef de Mission.
“It is a great honour to lead Team Singapore at the Nanjing 2014 Youth Olympic Games. This is a fantastic platform for athletes with Olympic aspirations to compete at. I hope they will immerse themselves in the spirit of the Games to do well for Singapore and enjoy the enriching Cultural and Education Programme at the YOG,” said Chay.
Chay will be ably assisted by Low who has been appointed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and SNOC as Young Ambassador to the Nanjing 2014 Youth Olympic Games. They will be working closely together to promote the YOG and generate a pleasant and simulating atmosphere in the team both leading up to the Games and during the event.
A decorated and dedicated athlete, Low’s accolades include a world, Asian and many other regional and national titles in the sailing double-handed international 420 dinghy class. Her extensive competition experience combined with her ability to balance academic and athletic demands will come in handy as she plays the role of spreading the Olympic values and sharing the YOG concept among the delegation. Currently, Low is training to qualify for the 2014 Asian Games.
“I have always dreamed of attending the Olympic Games and it is a great privilege to be representing Singapore at my first Olympic Games as a Young Ambassador. I am looking forward to work with Mark Chay, the Chef de Mission to the Singapore team, and Team Singapore to create a memorable and enjoyable once-in-a-lifetime experience at the Nanjing 2014 Youth Olympic Games,” said Low.
The Nanjing 2014 Youth Olympic Games will be held from 16-28 August.