THE Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games may be over a year and a half away, but at the city centre on Saturday it felt like the inaugural event was already taking place.

Over 10,000 youngsters thronged the Singapore Management University's Campus Green to celebrate the launch of the official Games logo. They filled the air with infectious enthusiasm as they immersed themselves in an afternoon of sport.

The carnival, named CAN! (Create Action Now), was organised by students from Singapore's four universities. It included a 2,010m fun run, try-outs for wrestling, equestrian, handball and modern pentathlon and a three-on-three basketball competition.

A concert, featuring local bands, wrapped up a fun-filled day that impressed even International Olympic Committee vice-president Chiharu Igaya.

'Today, I looked at the enthusiasm of the people and I'm convinced that the 2010 Games will be a great success, I can assure you,' said the Japanese, who flew in just for the carnival.

One of the highlights of the day was an intricate 7.6m by 2.5m mechanism used to unveil the logo, specially designed by a team of 14 students from the Nanyang Technological University's mechanical and aerospace engineering club.

A mobile call triggered a 1min 50sec-long chain reaction involving the features of all 26 Youth Olympic Games sports and eventually bursting a veil of balloons to reveal the Games logo 'Spirit of Youth'.

Designed by a professional creative company, the logo incorporates a red flame (representing the passion to learn and the power of positive thinking), a purple star (excellence and the pride of representing one's nation) and a crescent (dynamic youth, full of promise).

Igaya complimented the design, calling it 'unique'.

Mayflower Secondary student Lim Ying Tsui, 16, agreed.

She said: 'It's colourful, energetic and represents youth.'