Island-wide Torch Relay to Mark the Start of the Inaugural Asian Youth Games
AYG orchid - the inspiration for the AYG Torch Relay routes – revealed by SAYGOC
Singapore (4 June 2009) – The 1st Asian Youth Games Singapore 2009 Organising Committee (SAYGOC) will be bringing the Games to the community through the first-ever Asian Youth Games (AYG) Torch Relay. With the theme “Igniting Sporting Passion in Asia's Youth”, the event will be held over two days – the Community Leg on 28 June 2009 and the School Leg on 29 June 2009.
2 With just 25 days to the Games, SAYGOC revealed its plans for the island-wide AYG Torch Relay today at a dedicated briefing session graced by Guest-of-Honour Mrs Yu-Foo Yee Shoon, Minister of State for Community Development, Youth and Sports. During the event, Mrs Yu-Foo unveiled the commemorative AYG orchid, Dendrobium Asian Youth Games Singapore 09.
3 The orchid provided SAYGOC with the inspiration for the routes of the Torch Relay. Similar to the three petals of the orchid, the AYG Torch Relay will feature three routes that will cover the entire island via the five districts – Central Singapore, North East, North West, South East and South West. All three routes will be run concurrently. Each route will represent one of the three Olympic values of Excellence (North East and South East Districts Route), Friendship (North West & South West Districts Route) and Respect (Central District Route).
4 The AYG Torch Relay is an opportunity for Singaporeans to come together to show their support and be a part of this momentous event, as Singapore marks yet another sporting milestone with the hosting of the first AYG. More than 180 torch-bearers and over 70,000 participants from all walks of life are expected to be part of this event.
5 Mayor, Central Singapore District, Mr Zainudin Nordin, who is also the advisor to the AYG Torch Relay Organising Committee, said, “We want to mark the inaugural Asian Youth Games with a meaningful activity that will involve the community at large. The torch relay will ensure that the AYG remains in the hearts and minds of Singaporeans. It will incite excitement and gather support for the youth sporting heroes from all over Asia. The five districts and the grassroots have been very supportive and we are glad to have them on board to be part of this historic event.”
6 The torch to be used for the AYG Torch Relay was officially passed to SAYGOC during the event today. The torch was received by Mr Ng Ser Miang, Chairman of Steering Committee, SAYGOC, as he accepts the honour of staging the Torch Relay in Singapore to preface the AYG. Forty five stars were incorporated into the design of the torch to symbolise each of the Olympic Council of Asia’s (OCA) Member National Olympic Committees (NOC) who were invited to participate in the AYG.
7 Mr Ng Ser concluded, “The torch relay is a very symbolic and iconic act in the sporting world. It is a privilege to stage our very own torch relay to commemorate the beginning of the AYG. We believe that through the torch relay, we will be able to gather support and further promote the Olympic values of Excellence, Friendship and Respect – the core of sportsmanship – island-wide.”
AYG Torch Relay Day 1 – Community & Corporate Leg
8 taking place on Sunday, 28 June 2009, the first day of the AYG Torch Relay, will galvanise supporters from the community and the corporate world. As part of the Community Leg of the AYG Torch Relay, each district will be organising a community event to bring residents together to celebrate Singapore’s hosting of the AYG. Each of these events will be the exchange points for the relay, and will provide residents of the respective districts with the opportunity to be a part of the AYG Torch Relay. (Please refer to annex B for list of each district’s event for Community Leg.)
9 After covering the heartlands, the flame will be brought to Singapore’s retail hub, Orchard Road. There, members of the Orchard Road Business Association and Baywatch Association, and representatives from other corporations will parade the flaming torch through one of Singapore’s busiest streets, passing by some of Singapore’s retail landmarks including, Tanglin Mall, Ngee Ann City, Centrepoint, Raffles City, Suntec City and Marina Centre.
AYG Torch Relay Day 2 – School Leg
10 Day Two of the AYG Torch Relay will feature the School Leg, which will take place the next day on Monday, 29 June 2009, to coincide with the opening of the new school term. The three AYG torches will travel to the 45 schools that are under the AYG NOC Twinning Programme. Each school has been twinned with one of the OCA’s member NOCs that will be taking part in the AYG.
11 Once again, the schools will be clustered into three groups, with each group going through one of the three routes as per the Community Leg. Each school will be organising a cultural event to showcase the history and culture of the country they are twinned with. This provides the students with the opportunity to learn more about their adopted country, while, at the same time, be part of the sporting action that will be happening at the AYG.
12 After two days of travelling across the island to rally support among the community, corporates and the schools for the AYG, the three torches will return to the Singapore Indoor Stadium, where the Opening Ceremony will be held on 29 June. The three torches will then be used to ignite the AYG Flame, signifying Singapore’s coming together as one to welcome youths from all across Asia to the 1st Asian Youth Games Singapore 2009.
Issued by the Singapore Asian Youth Games Organising Committee
Enclosures:
Annex A: About the 1st Asian Youth Games Singapore 2009
Annex B: List of Districts’ Events for Community Leg
Annex C: List of Schools Participating in Schools’ Leg
Annex D: Fact Sheet on AYG Orchid
Annex E: Fact Sheet on AYG Torch
About the 1st Asian Youth Games Singapore 2009
The Asian Youth Games (AYG) is an international multi-sports event held every four years to complement the existing Asian Games. The idea was first mooted as part of Singapore’s Youth Olympic Games bid in 2007. On 3 April 2008, the Olympic Council of Asia’s (OCA) Executive Board unanimously agreed to award the hosting of the first AYG to Singapore. This decision was backed by all 45 members of the OCA on 6 April 2008. The inaugural AYG, which is co-organised by the Singapore Sports Council and the Ministry of Education, aims to gather the youth from around Asia in a celebration of youth, sports and learning, where they will engage in friendly competition and imbibe the Olympic sporting values of excellence, friendship and respect. AYG Singapore 2009 will see athletes aged between 14 and 17 from 45 OCA member nations competing in 90 events across nine sports from 29 June to 7 July 2009. Please visit www.ayg2009.com.sg for more information.
About Singapore Sports Council
The Singapore Sports Council (SSC) is Singapore's lead agency tasked with developing sports in Singapore. Our vision is to create a Sporting Singapore where Sports is a way of life. SSC aims to develop sports champions and create enjoyable sporting experiences for Singapore through the three strategic thrusts of cultivating a sporting culture, achieving sports excellence and creating a vibrant sports industry. Formed on 1 October 1973, SSC is a statutory board under the purview of the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports. Please visit the SSC website at www.ssc.gov.sg for more information.
About Ministry of Education
The Singapore Ministry of Education (MOE) formulates and implements education policies and programmes in consultation with its stakeholders. These policies and programmes aim to help all students discover their talents, realise their potential, and develop a passion for learning that lasts through life. MOE also oversees the development and management of the Government and Government-aided primary schools, secondary schools and junior colleges. Please visit www.moe.gov.sg for more information.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Hazwani Hasni
Media Relations Officer
1st Asian Youth Games Singapore 2009
DID: 6500 5246
Mobile: 9272 0112
Email: hazwani_hasni@ssc.gov.sg
Lorna Campbell
Fulford PR
Mobile: 9116 4804
Email: lcampbell@fulfordpr.com
Singapore (4 June 2009) – The 1st Asian Youth Games Singapore 2009 Organising Committee (SAYGOC) will be bringing the Games to the community through the first-ever Asian Youth Games (AYG) Torch Relay. With the theme “Igniting Sporting Passion in Asia's Youth”, the event will be held over two days – the Community Leg on 28 June 2009 and the School Leg on 29 June 2009.
2 With just 25 days to the Games, SAYGOC revealed its plans for the island-wide AYG Torch Relay today at a dedicated briefing session graced by Guest-of-Honour Mrs Yu-Foo Yee Shoon, Minister of State for Community Development, Youth and Sports. During the event, Mrs Yu-Foo unveiled the commemorative AYG orchid, Dendrobium Asian Youth Games Singapore 09.
3 The orchid provided SAYGOC with the inspiration for the routes of the Torch Relay. Similar to the three petals of the orchid, the AYG Torch Relay will feature three routes that will cover the entire island via the five districts – Central Singapore, North East, North West, South East and South West. All three routes will be run concurrently. Each route will represent one of the three Olympic values of Excellence (North East and South East Districts Route), Friendship (North West & South West Districts Route) and Respect (Central District Route).
4 The AYG Torch Relay is an opportunity for Singaporeans to come together to show their support and be a part of this momentous event, as Singapore marks yet another sporting milestone with the hosting of the first AYG. More than 180 torch-bearers and over 70,000 participants from all walks of life are expected to be part of this event.
5 Mayor, Central Singapore District, Mr Zainudin Nordin, who is also the advisor to the AYG Torch Relay Organising Committee, said, “We want to mark the inaugural Asian Youth Games with a meaningful activity that will involve the community at large. The torch relay will ensure that the AYG remains in the hearts and minds of Singaporeans. It will incite excitement and gather support for the youth sporting heroes from all over Asia. The five districts and the grassroots have been very supportive and we are glad to have them on board to be part of this historic event.”
6 The torch to be used for the AYG Torch Relay was officially passed to SAYGOC during the event today. The torch was received by Mr Ng Ser Miang, Chairman of Steering Committee, SAYGOC, as he accepts the honour of staging the Torch Relay in Singapore to preface the AYG. Forty five stars were incorporated into the design of the torch to symbolise each of the Olympic Council of Asia’s (OCA) Member National Olympic Committees (NOC) who were invited to participate in the AYG.
7 Mr Ng Ser concluded, “The torch relay is a very symbolic and iconic act in the sporting world. It is a privilege to stage our very own torch relay to commemorate the beginning of the AYG. We believe that through the torch relay, we will be able to gather support and further promote the Olympic values of Excellence, Friendship and Respect – the core of sportsmanship – island-wide.”
AYG Torch Relay Day 1 – Community & Corporate Leg
8 taking place on Sunday, 28 June 2009, the first day of the AYG Torch Relay, will galvanise supporters from the community and the corporate world. As part of the Community Leg of the AYG Torch Relay, each district will be organising a community event to bring residents together to celebrate Singapore’s hosting of the AYG. Each of these events will be the exchange points for the relay, and will provide residents of the respective districts with the opportunity to be a part of the AYG Torch Relay. (Please refer to annex B for list of each district’s event for Community Leg.)
9 After covering the heartlands, the flame will be brought to Singapore’s retail hub, Orchard Road. There, members of the Orchard Road Business Association and Baywatch Association, and representatives from other corporations will parade the flaming torch through one of Singapore’s busiest streets, passing by some of Singapore’s retail landmarks including, Tanglin Mall, Ngee Ann City, Centrepoint, Raffles City, Suntec City and Marina Centre.
AYG Torch Relay Day 2 – School Leg
10 Day Two of the AYG Torch Relay will feature the School Leg, which will take place the next day on Monday, 29 June 2009, to coincide with the opening of the new school term. The three AYG torches will travel to the 45 schools that are under the AYG NOC Twinning Programme. Each school has been twinned with one of the OCA’s member NOCs that will be taking part in the AYG.
11 Once again, the schools will be clustered into three groups, with each group going through one of the three routes as per the Community Leg. Each school will be organising a cultural event to showcase the history and culture of the country they are twinned with. This provides the students with the opportunity to learn more about their adopted country, while, at the same time, be part of the sporting action that will be happening at the AYG.
12 After two days of travelling across the island to rally support among the community, corporates and the schools for the AYG, the three torches will return to the Singapore Indoor Stadium, where the Opening Ceremony will be held on 29 June. The three torches will then be used to ignite the AYG Flame, signifying Singapore’s coming together as one to welcome youths from all across Asia to the 1st Asian Youth Games Singapore 2009.
Issued by the Singapore Asian Youth Games Organising Committee
Enclosures:
Annex A: About the 1st Asian Youth Games Singapore 2009
Annex B: List of Districts’ Events for Community Leg
Annex C: List of Schools Participating in Schools’ Leg
Annex D: Fact Sheet on AYG Orchid
Annex E: Fact Sheet on AYG Torch
About the 1st Asian Youth Games Singapore 2009
The Asian Youth Games (AYG) is an international multi-sports event held every four years to complement the existing Asian Games. The idea was first mooted as part of Singapore’s Youth Olympic Games bid in 2007. On 3 April 2008, the Olympic Council of Asia’s (OCA) Executive Board unanimously agreed to award the hosting of the first AYG to Singapore. This decision was backed by all 45 members of the OCA on 6 April 2008. The inaugural AYG, which is co-organised by the Singapore Sports Council and the Ministry of Education, aims to gather the youth from around Asia in a celebration of youth, sports and learning, where they will engage in friendly competition and imbibe the Olympic sporting values of excellence, friendship and respect. AYG Singapore 2009 will see athletes aged between 14 and 17 from 45 OCA member nations competing in 90 events across nine sports from 29 June to 7 July 2009. Please visit www.ayg2009.com.sg for more information.
About Singapore Sports Council
The Singapore Sports Council (SSC) is Singapore's lead agency tasked with developing sports in Singapore. Our vision is to create a Sporting Singapore where Sports is a way of life. SSC aims to develop sports champions and create enjoyable sporting experiences for Singapore through the three strategic thrusts of cultivating a sporting culture, achieving sports excellence and creating a vibrant sports industry. Formed on 1 October 1973, SSC is a statutory board under the purview of the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports. Please visit the SSC website at www.ssc.gov.sg for more information.
About Ministry of Education
The Singapore Ministry of Education (MOE) formulates and implements education policies and programmes in consultation with its stakeholders. These policies and programmes aim to help all students discover their talents, realise their potential, and develop a passion for learning that lasts through life. MOE also oversees the development and management of the Government and Government-aided primary schools, secondary schools and junior colleges. Please visit www.moe.gov.sg for more information.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Hazwani Hasni
Media Relations Officer
1st Asian Youth Games Singapore 2009
DID: 6500 5246
Mobile: 9272 0112
Email: hazwani_hasni@ssc.gov.sg
Lorna Campbell
Fulford PR
Mobile: 9116 4804
Email: lcampbell@fulfordpr.com