History
The first-ever international sports games were remembered for the bright moments of sports competitions and the grandiose opening celebration of the Games.
The Games were organized to mark the 100th anniversary of the modern Olympic Movement on the initiative of the first President of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) Mikhail Nikolaev.
The spectators and participants were welcomed by the President of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) Mikhail Nikolayev and Vice-President of the Russian Olympic Committee Viktor Rodichenko, who read out a congratulatory telegram from IOC President Juan Antonio Samaranch and presented the head of the republic with a commemorative gold medal in honor of the centenary of the Olympic movement.
The flame of the Games was specially brought from Olympic Atlanta and lit at the Tuimaada stadium. The honorable right to light the flame was given to Nikolai Chukrov, the absolute champion of Russia in freestyle wrestling.
The first Games did not have an official flag and mascot, so on the Opening day the Olympic flag was raised over the Tuymaada Stadium. The first emblem and symbol of the Games was a boy named Bergen. Bergen is a smart, fast, strong boy who personified a healthy spirit and the future of the nation.
More than 250 young athletes from 10 teams took part in the first Games: China, Republic of Korea, Kingdom of Thailand, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Buryatia, Tyva, Aginsky Autonomous District and Yakutia. They played for 225 medals. Young athletes competed in eight sports: athletics, freestyle wrestling, boxing, checkers, chess, judo, archery and table tennis.
- Host city
- Yakutsk
- Dates
- 9-16 August, 1996
- Athletes
- more than 250
- Sets of medals
- 225