Visa Celebrates Two World-Firsts at the Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games

An estimated 25,000 spectators enjoy easy access to inaugural Youth Olympic Games Opening Ceremony with first all-in-one Visa Prepaid card

Singapore, August 14, 2010

Even before the first medal has been awarded, history was made as an estimated 25,000 spectators enjoyed easy entry into the inaugural Youth Olympic Games Opening Ceremony venue by using the world's first all-in-one Visa Prepaid card that combines event ticketing, payment and transit functions.

Those attending the Youth Olympic Games Opening and Closing Ceremonies have been issued with the all-in-one Visa Prepaid card which serves as the entry ticket into Marina Bay Floating Platform venue. The card also allows ticket holders to purchase food, beverages and souvenirs at Youth Olympic Games venues and enjoy free public transport(1) to and from the venue.

Visa is the official payment services sponsor and the only card accepted at this inaugural Youth Olympic Games. As a worldwide sponsor and partner of the Olympic Games since 1986, this is the 14th Olympic Games supported by Visa.

Meranda Chan, Country Manager, Singapore and Brunei, Visa said: "The unifying power of sport is a core belief at Visa and we are excited to be a part of two world firsts today: the first Youth Olympic Games, and the first all-in-one Olympic Visa Prepaid card that brings together payment, public transport and event ticketing in a single card."

This is the first time spectators to any Olympic event are using a Visa Prepaid card as an entry ticket. Chan said: "Visa worked closely with the Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games Organizing Committee, DBS Bank, EZ-Link and Watchdata to develop this truly innovative technology. It's a landmark moment which we're proud to share with some 25,000 spectators from around the world."

The all-in-one Visa Prepaid cards are issued by Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games partner DBS Bank and will function as a reloadable electronic payment prepaid card and transit pass during and after the Youth Olympic Games. Cardholders can load value on the card at all DBS ATM kiosks, through DBS's online banking website, selected SingPost branches and at AXS stations across Singapore.

(1) Free transit on public buses and MRT only. Valid for 14 August 2010 for Opening Ceremony ticket holders and 26 August 2010 for Closing Ceremony ticket holders only.

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Media Contacts:
Cheryl Long
Visa Worldwide Pte. Limited
+1 65 6437 5545
chlong@visa.com

Joey Phua
Ruder Finn Asia
+1 65 6336 6451
phuaj@ruderfinnasia.com