14 August 2010- Today is the historical moment for Singapore and everyone is excited to look forward for the inaugural Youth Olympic Games (YOG) which will be held here! Singapore did not host any Olympic Games before and this could be the first and the last time or maybe few hundred years that Singapore will be held the YOG again!
Many volunteers and sponsors came and help out in making a great success for the YOG. I also came forward to be YOG volunteer. All we want to do is to be a great host to our Athletes and their families and friends and overseas guest who will be here to support their local athletes.
Do you know that it all started in Year 2001, International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Jacques Rogge's started to have Youth Olympic Games idea. In year 2007, all the IOC members approved to create YOG. 10 August 2007, Singapore submit a bid to host the event. In 21 January 2008, Singapore and Moscow are the two finalist in the bid to host the Youth Olympic Games. 21 February 2008 at 1911 hours, Singapore was announced to host YOG from IOC President.
Singapore only have 2.5 years to prepare for the YOG and the next host city will have 6 years to prepare for the YOG!
We only have the short period to prepare and today is the day where we will be showing our results to the whole world to see!
Members of the public went to the Marina Marina Float Platform (Stadium) quite early before the gate opens to the public at 1600 hours.
My aunt and myself will be watching it LIVE at the stadium as we got for the ticket. The time is 1600 hours but there are some delay, therefore the gate will not be open. By 1620 hours, the gates are opens are many people are dashing through to the security check point and everyone tapping the world first integrated ticket card which includes VISA electronic debit card, Transportation card where you can ride it for free during the Opening/Closing Ceremony and the race games itself.
The ushers also gave everyone a interact kit coupon (Goodies Bag) where we can collect it when we reach the Marina Float Platform (Stadium). Towards the Marina Float Platform, there are two stores. One is selling the food and drink and other stall is selling the Singapore 2010 items.
When we reach the stadium, let me tell you the scenery here! It is the most beautiful landscape view that I ever seen! From there, you can see the Central Business District (CBD), the Merlion Park and the newly completed Marina Bay Sands!
At 1900 hours, the event had started with dance and song. At 20:10 hours, the Youth Olympic Game will be official commerce! The IOC President, Jacques Rogge's, Singapore President, Mr S.R. Nathan, Singapore Senior Minister, Mr Goh Chok Tong and many officials are here to watch the important moment!
Great performance, Great Fire Work and the stage design look like a lake! When the performers carry the Singapore flag and the 27,000-strong audience start Singing the National Anthem of Singapore. At this moment, I feel proud and sense of belonging! All our hard work and efforts is worth it! The whole world is watching this tiny city country which many will think that we could not able to archive. But we prove them wrong!
Then every countries flag was showcase and the President of Singapore, Mr S.R. Nathan declare the opening of the inaugural Youth Olympic Games with Fireworks!
After that the torch bearer arrives at the Marina Floating platform and one of the lucky torch bear Sailor Darren Choy from Team Singapore running the final stretch of the torch journey and light up the flame.
Finally, the former Olympic athletes present the Olympic flag to the Youth Olympic athletes and walk toward to flag pole and everyone start to sing the Olympic anthem.
I enjoyed myself and very happy. Singapore have successful showcase to the World that we can host such a grand and glories moment! What more important is that we are part of the historic and our names will be written down to our next generation to the next generation.
Well done Singapore! To all the Athletes, please have a great time and enjoy yourself while you are in Singapore! All the best to you!
