International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach arrived here Wednesday to attend the Youth Olympic Games starting Saturday.
Bach is expected to stay here until Aug 28, the last day of the Games. This is the first Youth Games since he took charge last year, reports Xinhua.
"It (The YOG) is not only about competition, it's also about making friends and cultural events," Bach told reporters at the airport upon his arrival in Nanjing.
"Now the stage is set. I really hope the youth can take this opportunity to get to know each other and promote Olympic values."
IOC honorary president Jacques Rogge will also arrive here Thursday.
Bach, 60, was elected to succeed Rogge in September 2013 as the ninth IOC president.
