BEIJING, July 9 (Xinhua) -- Athens Olympic gold medallist Feng Kun of China has been appointed as an Athlete Role Model for the first Summer Youth Olympic Games, which will be held in Singapore from August 14 to 26.

"We are delighted that you will be joining us in Singapore for the first ever Youth Olympic Games. Your success as an athlete and your life experiences will serve as an invaluable model for the Young Olympians who will be competing in Singapore," International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge said in a congratulation letter to Feng on Thursday. "Your contribution to the culture and education programme put in place by the Singapore Youth Olympic Games Organizing Committee (SYOGOC) will be essential to its success."

"I am really honored to be nominated," Feng told Xinhua on Friday. "I would love to share my experience with young athletes and it' s also a good opportunity for me to experience and enjoy the atmosphere of Youth Olympic Games."

The 31-year-old star setter was captain of the Chinese women' s volleyball team that won back-to-back title at the 2003 World Cup in Japan and 2004 Olympic Games in Athens.