It was truly a challenging yet exciting moment for Team Fiji flagbearer Grace Yee to represent her country in front of more than 10,000 spectators during the opening of the Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, Argentina yesterday.

The 3rd Summer Youth Olympic Games kicked-off in Buenos Aires in an open street party where for the first time an Olympic opening ceremony has been held in the streets of a city, free for the general public and away from a traditional stadium.

Speaking after the opening ceremony Yee said: “It’s an honour and a privilege to represent Fiji up on the big stage in front of such a big crowd.

“At first I had mixed feelings nervous and excited, but later on during the opening ceremony after listening to the screams gave me some confidence. It wasn’t easy for me.”

Yee said being part of the Youth Olympic Games is a great achievement for her.

“I hope to deliver my best performance and make Fiji proud,’’

She will be competing in the table tennis women’s singles event against Poland today.

About 4000 young athletes from 206 countries and regions around the world will participate in 32 sports in the next 12 days.

It is the first Olympic competition in history with the same number of men and women athletes.

– Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

Feedback: grace.narayan@fijisun.com.fj