July 1, 2009
You could feel the pulsating music and high octane energy the moment you stepped into the Singapore Indoor Stadium. Responding readily to the emcees’ request for “Let’s hear you scream!”, and participating wholeheartedly in the “wave” and mini-cheer contests, the audience was primed for an exciting line-up at the opening ceremony of the inaugural Asian Youth Games (AYG) 2009.
Themed “Asia’s Youth, Our Future”, the AYG is the first multi-sport event for youth in the history of the Olympic Council of Asia. From 29 June to 7 July, it brings together some 1,400 outstanding athletes aged 14 to 17 from 43 National Olympic Councils (NOCs).
Torch bearers (from front) swimmer Tao Li, bowler Remy Ong and shooter Jasmine Ser enter the Stadium to thunderous applause at about 8.45 p.m.
The climax of the ceremony was the arrival of the AYG torches at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. In the lead-up to this, the torch relays had passed through Singapore’s heartlands and Orchard Road on 28 June, as well as over 45 schools on 29 June. At 8.45 p.m. yesterday, the torches finally arrived at the Stadium, carried by Singapore’s own young athletes: swimmer Tao Li, bowler Remy Ong and shooter Jasmine Ser.
Accompanied by rapturous applause and cheers, the trio ran in unison up the stage and stepped toward the cauldron. As the platform slowly elevated the athletes and cauldron, they dipped their torches into the cauldron and lit the AYG flame just before 9pm. The simultaneous burst of pyrotechnics accompanied the electrifying start to the 1st AYG 2009 in Singapore.
Here's a closer look at some of the exuberant performances by Singapore students that marked the occasion.
Continue reading “Asian Youth Games Opens with High Energy, High Spirit”»
