It's the start of the week and hopefully school isnt weighing you down just yet. Hang in there and work hard, the June holidays are fast approaching! Heh. Always loved the feeling of the countdown to June!
Speaking of countdowns, was anyone at *scape last Friday for the 99 day countdown celebrations to the Youth Olympic Games here in August? It's gonna be the first in the world and I hear *scape was really really packed! Pretty suitable venue to pick as well given that *scape is uber popular with the youth of Singapore. Our PM Lee was there as well as the official uniforms for the 20,000 youth volunteers were unveiled. Pretty neat!
These were the event's hosts, with Jean Danker looking as pretty as ever! Hee, props to the former NP student!
So of course, exciting song and dance celebrations followed.
The security checks at the entrance point was a little bit of a bummer, as it was just a tad bit too tedious and slow, but nonetheless, this didn't stop the eager crowds from coming.. And we all know, when there's promised fireworks, Singaporeans will be there rain or shine!
And of course, the star of the night, our very own first Singapore Idol, fitting that they'd pick him, to perform at the countdown to the first YOG in the world!
You know, I was just watching the announcement of the host nation on YouTube, and it really did make my hair stand. It was the first time I saw the whole nation together as one, and really, there isn't a better depiction of patriotism at its best. And this is coming from a boy who wasn't even involved in the bid and the planning. What more the people whose blood sweat and tears were put in, only to see their efforts being rewarded internationally to millions. Just have a look at this video:
I remember our sports minister saying this was the best example of national pride he had ever seen in all his life.. watching this, it's hard to disagree with him.
Having said that, i really do feel that our local media has a long way to go in terms of prioritising. Much, much more attention has got to be given to the youth olympic games taking place in august. It's 95 more days to go. If The New Paper can countdown to the world cup since jan this year, every day, on the last page, then i think they can also afford to place a little more emphasis on this historic event taking place in August. Years from now when our kids are learning a sport, we would be encouraging them to aim for the youth olympics, and we will say that we've been there, when the first ever one took place, and it was right here in Singapore. Now it doesn't get any better than that.
Anyway, i've digressed, hey i got a look at the mascots for this year's event as well, and boy are they adorable! Haha lyo and merly...a play on the names 'lion and merlion' of course...
Our very own students from Ngee Ann is also getting their hands busy, with the YOG coming up, and playing their part to make Ngee Ann proud! Earlier this year, a bunch of our enthusiastic students held an art competition in honour of the games. the competition invited Secondary 1 and 2 students to submit an art piece about the Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games. A Prize Giving Ceremony was held on 25th March 2010 at the Ngee Ann Polytechnic Convention Centre.
Check out the winning piece :
It's called 'Together As One'. Pretty neat eh..
Well if you're more interested in the games and want to find out more, and see how you can help or volunteer, check out the official website at
http://www.singapore2010.sg/public/sg2010/en.html
or if you aren't into the wordy stuff, and want a more chill cool site, then give this a go:
http://whyohgee.com/public/sg2010/en.html
More celebrations are to come ahead of the August 14 games. One to look out for is the torch relay. After travelling around the world in July, the Olympic flame will arrive in Singapore in early August for a 6-day round the island torch relay involving some 2,400 torch bearers.
So wherever you are, whatever time you are reading this. If you're Singaporean, then you have enough reason to feel proud, and excited all at the same time. Even if the media does or does not do this upcoming first ever YOG justice, you still can! Get out there, be heard, buy your tickets, and support our athletes =D
I can't wait. What about you? Tell me!
