After two years of intense preparations, the Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games has finally been declared open by Singapore's President S. R. Nathan.

Athlete Fatou Sowe led the Gambian delegation during the parade of athletes and flags. The Gambia is one of 204 nations taking part in the inaugural Singapore Games. With a backdrop of towering skyscrapers, the floating stage in the Marina Bay was the perfect setting to kick off the Youth Olympic Games and welcome the 3,600 athletes who would be competing over the next 12 days.

The 27,000-strong audience was treated to a vibrant and colorful two hour show that showcased Singapore's cultural diversity, rich history and represented young people worldwide.  Throughout the show more than 2000 fireworks were fired from the roof tops of the buildings around the bay.

More than 5000 performers were involved in the Opening Ceremony including children from 47 Singapore schools before welcoming the Youth Olympic Flame from across the water to ignite a cauldron atop of the 32-metre high lighthouse – symbolizing a guiding light in the harbour.

The inaugural Opening Ceremony was an event of 'firsts,' not only did the athletes enter all together, there was also a special oath made on behalf of the coaches.