From 14 until 26 August, the first edition of the Youth Olympic Games took place in Singapore. The Games are planned to be an international multi-sport event held every two years and featuring athletes between the ages of 14 and 18. On 18 August, Wilfried Lemke participated in the Cultural and Education Programme at the Youth Olympic Games.

The 3,600 young participants are encouraged to go beyond what they are experts in: sport. They are challenged to learn, share and build friendships through the innovative and interactive Culture and Education Programme (CEP) in their free time, when they are not training or competing in the Games. The programme lasts the duration of the 12-day Games and aims at helping the athletes better understand important issues off the pitch, court or the water such as leading healthy lifestyles and the dangers of doping. They are taught about what it means to behave in a socially responsible manner. Various international organisations, including three UN agencies (UNAIDS, UNEP and UNICEF), are supporting the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Singapore organisers to implement these activities.

"This is a unique opportunity for young athletes to look beyond sports competitions and to get exposed to pressing global issues," Wilfried Lemke declared when addressing the participants of a UNICEF workshop. After touring through the Olympic Village and taking part at some of the booths, Mr. Lemke then turned to address the youth at a UNAIDS workshop. Inspired by his time in the Village he made sure the Youth understood their obligations after these games. "Your experiences here will enable you to act as ambassadors when you return to your communities by sharing what your have learned and encouraging those around to be agents of change."