The official mascot of the 2nd Asian Youth Games is expected to arrive in Brunei next month as part of the torch relay according to a press release by the Brunei Darussalam National Olympic Council (BNOC) yesterday.

The mascot named Yuan Yuan is expected to touch down in the Sultanate on June 16 in conjunction with the second edition of the Games to be held in Nanjing, China from August 16-24.

In addition, Nanjing Asian Youth Organising Committee (NAYGOC) has set up a few interesting programmes apart from the usual sporting programmes during the Games.

A virtual game online called 'The Torch Relay' has been established and is open to everyone.

Yuan Yuan will play as the torch bearer virtually and will simulate an actual Torch Relay that passes through the 45 countries and regions of Asia.

The online relay will travel through 328 cities and scenic locations. It will also experience 12 diverse languages of Asia including the lighting and passing of the flame.

Once Yuan Yuan arrives in Brunei, it will unlock the next level of the game out of its 63 varieties of online games.

The online torch relay will take Yuan Yuan through interesting and challengin interactions as well as animated characteristics.

Those interested can easily participate by registering online for free at http://towrchweb.nanjing2013.org/. Game play can be done as soon as registration is complete.

Gamers can accumulate game points as much as they can until the virtual torch relay comes to its final stop.

The Games organisers will be giving away prizes to the internet participants that will include mobile phones, mobile pads and Asian Youth Games souvenirs.

The organisers hope to inspire the curiosity of the youth to participate in this virtual torch relay and at the same time celebrating the spirit of the Games.

Golf and fencing are the two sports shortlisted to fly the flag for the Sultanate at the upcoming Games.

Brunei were represented by a sprinter, Nurafiqah Hj Rozaini, and swimmer, Amanda Liew Jia Xin, in the inaugural edition in Singapore back in 2009. The former competed in the 100m race while Liew swam in the 100m breaststroke.

Courtesy from Brunei Times