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SINGAPORE: Singapore's bid to host the inaugural Youth Olympic Games could set in motion the country's desire to stage more international multi-sports events, said Parliamentary Secretary Teo Ser Luck.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong had given the green light for Singapore to bid for the inaugural Youth Olympics Games in 2010.

If Singapore wins the bid, it could open the gates to events such as the Asian Indoor Games and the World Masters Games.

"If we can organise a Youth Olympic Games... the impact and exposure that Singapore is going to get, then I think the other games like Asian Indoor Games and all that would be within our grasp, within our ability to do a good job," said Mr Teo, parliamentary secretary for Community Development, Youth and Sports Ministry.

With a growing ageing population, Singapore is also keen on staging a multi-sport event for the elderly, such as the World Masters Games.

But for now, the focus will be the preparation of the bid document for the Youth Olympics, which is to be submitted by October.

After a postal voting by all the International Olympic Committee (IOC) members, a decision will be announced by February 2008.

Low Teo Ping, vice-president of Singapore National Olympic Council, said: "The postal vote would mean that it would involve all the IOC members from around the world.

"Now, in terms of the challenge for Singapore, this is where we will then have to enlist the support of all the NSAs (national sports associations), (which) will then contact their respective international federations and also their respective contacts who are sitting on the IOC to, in fact, vote for Singapore."

Singapore is also looking at upgrading its existing facilities to meet the requirements for the Games.

Although only those who are between 14 and 18 can compete in the Youth Olympic Games, others can also benefit from being part of the Games, learning the Olympic spirit. - CNA/ac