Athletics Federation of Nigeria has invited 37 athletes to camp ahead of the 2010 Youth Olympic Games billed for August 14-26 in Singapore.

The athletes are to camp in Mosogar, a town near Oghara along the Benin- Sapele express way in Delta State. The youngsters, are to be trained by seven coaches including former women 400m hurdles champion, Maria Osifo and Gabriel Opuana, a former national hammer record holder.

According to AFN secretary-general, Maria Wophil, the selected athletes will report to camp on Sunday, March 14 to begin their preparations towards the Games.

"Everything is on ground to have a good training ahead of the Games. The athletes were selected after the Nkoyo Ibori championships last week in Oghara.

"The AFN will ensure that they are adequately prepared for the Youth Olympics. We are presenting the team at the CAA region two youth championship in Dakar, Senegal in May to put them in a competitive mood," said Mrs. Wophil.

The athletes selected include Nkiru Uwakwe, Isoken Igbinosu, Hope Jacob, Harry Chukwudi, Quadri Abiodun, Ifioku Andrew and Emobunovie Mamus who are registered for the sprints. Isa Umar , Akpa Udon Sunday, Mmaju Okeudo Jonathan, Hope Jacob Rita Osai are listed for the 400m. The long distance runners are Abiye David, Agber Shimenenge, Muyibat Ogunkoya, Ogunseye Goke, Urukpe Erayokan and Bamgbala Rahmon . Others are Bukola Pereira, Agidi Yemi and Emmanuel Gyang.

The field events athletes include Adewale Bukola, Bridget Terhemba, Nana Tanya Aina, Nwoye Ifeanyi Augustine and Solomon Igwebuieke

The International Olympic Committee floated the youth Olympics idea in 2001. This year's competition will be the first ever Youth Olympic Games. It features athletes between the ages of 14 and 18 competing in 26 sports.