英语文摘：Dutch Olympic medalist tells Youth Olympics athletes to stick to faith

SINGAPORE, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) -- Stick to your plan could be a way to success, archery Olympic medalist Wietse van Alten of the Netherlands told young athletes at the first Youth Olympic Games here on Sunday.

Van Alten, bronze medalist at the Sydney Olympic Games and competed again in Athens four years later, now coaches Youth Olympic Games men's archery silver medalist Rick van den Oever.

As an athlete role model for the Singapore Games, this weekend he took part in a Culture and Education Programme (CEP) workshop called 'Athletopoly' at the village, giving some advice to the eager athletes.

"Make a plan and stick to it. Keep faith because if you stick to your plan, it will all work out," said Van Alten who was named the athlete role model by the International Olympic Committee and joined in a Culture and Education Programme workshop called "Athletopoly" at the Youth Olympic Village.

"If athletes think about the venue, the bus ride there and their warm-up before a competition, if they go over everything in their minds first, there will be no surprises."

Van Alten said his role at the Games was to teach and inspire young people to achieve their best. And he believes the experience athletes gain at the Youth Olympic Games is priceless.

"If they get a place in London (for the 2012 Olympic Games), they will be experts. It will be their second Olympics," said Van Alten.

The Youth Games, kicking off here on Aug. 14, featuring 50 CEP activities which aimed at teaching the young athletes Olympic values about excellence, friendship and respect.