Singaporean sports authorities apologised for handing out 45,000 Youth Olympic Games certificates containing mock signatures of IOC chief Jacques Rogge.

When the commemorative documents for participants and volunteers were designed, simulated signatures of Rogge and another official were used in the layout — and remained in place when they were sent to the printers.

They should have been replaced with facsimiles of the men’s actual signatures, but the one above Rogge’s name read “Des” instead.

The organising committee of the inaugural Youth Olympic Games, held in Singapore last month, blamed an “oversight in the checking process” and said that correct appreciation certificates would be sent in batches worldwide.

Chief executive officer of the Games’ organising committee Goh Kee Nguan apologised for the gaffe and asked those who received the documents for their “understanding on this matter”.

Rogge proclaimed the event, for 14 to 18 year-olds, a success despite empty seats at many venues.