Singapore wins bid to host first Youth Olympic Games
Singapore won the bid to host the first Youth Olympic Games after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Jacques Rogge revealed the winner in a live telecast from Lausanne, Switzerland (.wmv) to which a jubilant crowd of approximately 3000 youths celebrated at the YOG 2010 Final Countdown event at The Padang.
The tropical city state had faced a tight fight with Moscow in the final which had impressed the IOC judges in the preliminary round that featured other bidding cities such as Bangkok, Athens and Debrecen. However, Singapore were picked as the hosts for the inaugural games, meant for 14 to 18 year olds by the members of the IOC.
Singapore would be the smallest nation ever to host an Olympic of any kind. But size should not be a problem as only 5000 youth athletes are expected to participate in the Summer Youth Olympics. With the hosting rights now sealed, the government plans to build a Youth Games Village in NUS, and will refurbish several stadias as well as creating special Olympic roads to ensure smooth journeys to the competitive venues from the Games Village. It is expected to take only 30 minutes to reach any venue from the village.
“Singapore’s win would not have been possible without the tremendous show of support by Singaporeans from all walks of life and the business sector. They have been supporting the bid in so many ways, such as putting together “Support Singapore” videos, websites, banners, T-shirts and car decals; collecting signatures and pledges in support of Singapore 2010, and carrying “I support Singapore 2010″ on corporate collaterals. The overall effect of showing the IOC members and the world of the nation’s collective commitment of hosting the Youth Olympic Games has made a difference,” said Mr Teo Ser Luck, Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports.
Indeed, unlike other bidding countries, Singapore’s effort to host the games is very unique as for the first time, the common Singaporean come together to reach the country’s goal. This is the multi-racialism that Singapore has always promoted itself of having, and it is hoped that these acts of togetherness will continue to stay.
Today, Singapore and its supporters will party for a job well done. But all those involved knows that the job has only begun, as tomorrow, the first task at hand is to build a Singapore that deserves to host the first Youth Olympic Games.
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