BUENOS AIRES (Oct. 5) – Alexander Cleary of the Central Washington University men' rugby team has not only been selected to represent the United States in the 2018 Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, but he will also be the United States' flag bearer during the opening ceremony.
"What a great honor and experience for Alex," CWU Head Men's Rugby Coach
Todd Thornley said. "We are excited for him in what is a one in a lifetime opportunity. He has been in a great training environment and we cannot wait to see him in a Wildcat jersey this coming year."
The Youth Olympic Games run from Oct. 6 through Oct. 18 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Cleary is the first rugby athlete to serve as an opening ceremony flag bearer for Team USA at either the Olympic Games or the Youth Olympic Games.
"It means everything to me to be able to come here and represent our country. Carrying the flag for our team is a huge honor and it is going to be amazing," Cleary said in an interview with USARugby.org. "Being here with all of my teammates, my family, the Opening Ceremony is going to be an unbelievable experience."
The Youth Olympic Games, first hosted in 2010, are an international multi-sport event held every two years, consistent with the current format of the Olympic Games. Buenos Aires 2018 is the third Summer Youth Olympic Games and will feature 241 events across 32 sports. Approximately 4,000 athletes from 206 nations are expected to participate in the 12-day competition for athletes between the ages of 15 and 18. The 87-member U.S. roster is comprised of 47 men and 40 women, representing 21 sports.
