Struggling Olympic pole vault champion Yelena Isinbayeva has agreed to help promote this year's inaugural Youth Olympics alongside swimmer Michael Phelps, the International Olympic Committee said yesterday.

The first Youth Olympics, aimed at fighting obesity and promoting a more active lifestyle among young people, will take place in Singapore in August and will attract some 3,600 athletes aged 14-18.

American Phelps, 14-times Olympic gold medallist, was signed up as an ambassador in February.

Isinbayeva, who won the pole vault gold medal at the last two Olympics and is the world record holder, announced this month she was taking a break from competing after a slump in form.

"I am happy to play such an important role in getting young people active," the 27-year-old Russian said in a statement.

"This is a very exciting opportunity for me to pursue whilst I take a break from competition. I will be in Singapore to support the athletes, to encourage them to do their best and enjoy the whole experience," she said.

IOC president Jacques Rogge told reporters qualification for the athletes was already under way. The IOC will also conduct some 1,000 doping tests at the event.

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