Lindsey Vonn becomes first Winter Youth Olympic Games ambassador

Lindsey Vonn becomes first Winter Youth Olympic Games ambassador
English.news.cn 2011-04-07 08:27:32 FeedbackPrintRSS
LONDON, April 6 (Xinhua) -- American skier and Olympic champion Lindsey Vonn has became the first ever Winter Youth Olympic Games ambassador, announced the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Wednesday.

Vonn, 26, is the reigning Olympic downhill champion and has won three consecutive overall World Cup and downhill championships.

Now, she is looking forward to encourage young people all around the world to become more active in sport after taking the role as ambassador for the Innsbruck Youth Olympic Games which will take place from January 13 to 22 next year.

"I know the importance of strong role models," said Vonn. "When I first met my hero, Picabo Street, it was a huge thrill and an unforgettable moment for me. She inspired me to become what I am today. If I can have even half that effect on some of the young athletes I come into contact with, it will be worth it."

"Lindsey is not only a great champion," IOC President Jacque Rogge commented. "She has a great personality, a warm heart and she knows what it means to give the best of yourself in whatever you do. She is sure to have a positive and lasting impact on the young people she interacts with."

Innsbruck 2012 will attract over 1,000 athletes between the ages of 15 and 18 from roughly 70 countries and regions. In addition to competing in their sports events, the athletes will participate in a Culture and Education Programme.

Olympic Champion-London

LONDON CUP BEGINS 2012 BUILD-UP
Many of Great Britain's Olympic team will begin their build-up for the 2012 Games in the London

Cup, a new annual international tournament which will make its debut this summer.

European champions England will face Commonwealth Games bronze medallists New Zealand, South Korea

and Belgium in the capital in July.

"Playing in front of a large crowd and the pressure that can produce in competition is different

from a friendly game," England coach Jason Lee said.

"It would have been nice to play as Great Britain but Scotland and Wales have crucial European

tournaments early in the summer and Scotland also have the Champions Challenge.

"In our GB agreement we support all the home nations in their aspirations at world-level hockey."

England captain Barry Middleton added: "The team is getting increasingly excited about this

opportunity to play in London, especially with the London 2012 Olympics only a year away.

"We're really hoping hockey and sports fans come and support us at this inaugural London Cup

event."

The London Cup will be held at the University of Westminster's Quintin Hogg Memorial Sports Ground

in Chiswick between July 12 and 16.

England Hockey have also renewed their partnership with sports nutrition experts Maxifuel.