Youth Olympic Games kicks off in Buenos Aires with stunning Opening Ceremony

The third edition of the Youth Olympic Summer Games officially kicked off with an Opening Ceremony that defied gravity and set off a celebration in the very heart of Argentina’s capital.It was a historical night for the 200,000 people who came to the Obelisk in Buenos Aires. It was unforgettable night for the 4,000 athletes who, for the first time in modern Olympic history, were the stars of an Opening Ceremony that was set outside of a stadium, open to the public and free of charge. It was one hour and 53 minutes of pure emotion – an urban experience that celebrated sport with an inclusive, interactive and multicultural approach.Qatar’s young swimmer Yaqoub al-Khulaifi carried the Qatari flag during the parade. The opening ceremony was attended by Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) Secretary General Jassim al-Buenain and Khalil al-Jaber, president of the Qatar Swimming Federation.Qatar has sent five athletes for Youth Olympic Games – Awab Baro, Abdul Aziz Mohamed, Ahmed al-Haj in athletics and Yaqoub al-Khulaifi in swimming and Mohamed al-Kashouti in Equestrian.Last night al-Khulaifi was taking part in the 100m butterfly. In the Sarajevo International Swimming Championships held in Bosnia and Herzegovina this year, al-Khulaifi won two gold medals in the 50m butterfly and silver medal in the 200m freestyle, which sealed his place in the Youth Olympics. Meanwhile, the budget for the 2018 Youth Olympics has been “reduced by 40 percent” from its initial costing of $200mn, International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said on Saturday, just hours before the opening ceremony.“The IOC was presented with a budget of $200mn for these Youth Olympics but the latest information is that the budget will be 40% less,” said Bach who did not elaborate on where the savings will be made.Argentina is in the midst of an economic crisis but Bach insisted that the South American country should not be discouraged from bidding to host the Olympics despite failed attempts for 1956, 1960, 1968 and 2004.“After these Youth Olympics, they will be in a better position to organise the Olympics,” added Bach. “At the same time, we are aware that Argentina is living through some difficult moments.”Qatar Olympic Committee Secretary General Jassim al-Buenain (right) and Khalil al-Jaber, president of the Qatar Swimming Federation at the opening ceremony.