Singapore revs up for Asian Youth Games

Preparations for the first Asian Youth Games are moving forward quickly following a series of meetings and events in Singapore. As well as the launch of the official theme song and the Games mascot, the head of delegations from 41 National Olympic Committees in Asia attended a Chef de Mission summit at the Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel.

The meetings provided a platform for the NOCs to discuss various matters regarding their smooth participation in the Games, and allowed them to visit all the venues. The NOCs expressed their full satisfaction with the preparations after an eventful two days.

The first Asian Youth Games will take place in Singapore from June 29 to July 7, 2009, and will feature 90 events in nine sports: aquatics (diving and swimming), athletics, basketball (three on three), beach volleyball, bowling, football, sailing, shooting and table tennis. Over 2,000 youths aged between 14 and 17 have registered for Asia''s first Youth Games, which organisers will use as a dress rehearsal for the International Olympic Committee''s first Summer Youth Olympic Games in Singapore from August 14-26, 2010.

The mascot and theme song were unveiled by the guest of honour, Mr Teo Ser Luck, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports and Ministry of Transport, at Velocity@Novena Square on March 19.

Embodying the Olympic sporting values of friendship, respect and excellence, the sprightly mascot - an unnamed lion - comes with three signature poses, each representing these values.

Mr Oon Jin Teik, Co-Chairman of SAYGOC and Chief Executive Officer of the Singapore Sports Council, said: "The mascot best embodies the spirit of the Asian Youth Games. It is young, vibrant and is highly representative of Singapore."

The public is invited to participate in the ''Name the AYG Mascot'' Contest, jointly organised by The Straits Times and the Singapore Asian Youth Games Organising Committee (SAYGOC) 2009. The lion will be officially named on April 15, 2009, with the announcement of the contest results.

Also showcased was the theme song, titled ''Asia''s Youth, Our Future.''

The catchy song features music composed by the renowned Mr Iskandar Ismail, who has worked with famous artistes like Dick Lee and Jacky Cheung, and lyrics by Mr Jose Raymond (Singapore Sports Council) and Mr Hoo Cher Liek (Ministry of Education).

The song will be sung by Singapore''s very own youths, Nathan Hartono and Lian Kim Selby, JC2 students of Anglo-Chinese Junior College.

For more information, see the official website of the first Asian Youth Games: http://ayg2009.ssc.gov.sg/publish/ayg2009/en.html

Apr 12, 2009 18:35

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