Youth Olympic Games – it started in Singapore

(Photo from the Straits Times)

The Youth Olympic Games has drawn to a close. In the 12 days of competition, medals were won and lost, but what that won the hearts of many Singaporeans was not the glory of winning the medals but the passion that we felt throughout the games. And it was not just the passion of the athletes that touched us. We also witnessed the spirit and dedication of the volunteers.

Some 20,000 volunteers helped out in the games. There included students taking time off school and retirees who wanted to play a part. They took on roles such as ushers and event programmers. The meticulous planning by the organisers, the support of Singaporeans and the enthusiasm of volunteers made the games a great success.

Although I was unable to attend many of the matches but I managed to catch some of our athletes in action on television. Watching them compete with other international sportsmen in Singapore made me reflect on my school days. I was a school gymnast and swimmer, but the youth athletes during my time did not have the opportunity for such exposure to international competition. Our student sportsmen today have ample opportunities to compete with the very best in the world. Some truly excelled. This shows how much our country has progressed and how our talented student sportsmen now enjoy opportunities and resources that were not available more than a generation ago. The Government has invested tremendous resources our education system which helps students excel in their studies and now, also in sports

Although the YOG is officially over, we should also reflect what it meant for Singapore. We successfully organised the Games even though we did not have any experience organising an international sporting event of such a scale. It is a resounding testimony to our ability to galvanise the nation to get things done. With the conclusion of the Games, Singapore has now sealed our place in international sporting history as the birthplace of the Youth Olympics. In the years to come, we will continue to cherish this beautiful experience. The Youth Olympics will continue to grow and Singapore will forever be remembered as the place where it all started.

Wong Kan Seng