Closing Ceremony

I had been busy, so I haven't been able to deliver any concrete posts regarding events of the YOG... so I hope to round up with something more.

Sure, we couldn't win a gold medal. But some of our athletes have won us Singaporeans over with their spirit.

Sure, the Singapore Cubs should have defeated Haiti to reach the final. A below-par game killed that hope. But winning the bronze, which meant bouncing back from the setback, shows the spirit and resilience of the young players, which I think must really be applauded.

And there's Isabelle Li, who delivered a surprise silver medal in the girls' singles. With my best friend Kenneth, I watched Isabelle and Clarence Chew in the deciding match of the mixed team quarter-finals, with scores tied at one apiece. From 2 sets down, the pair fought back to win the next 2, though ultimately falling short. Though left slightly disappointed, I believe the paddlers did enough to win our hearts and faith.

Local born heroes. Who says the Foreign Talent Scheme had no use? Without the table tennis upheaval in Singapore, there wouldn't have been increased investment to facilitate the training programmes for these future stars. And let's not forget the role of role models the senior players occupy, giving advice and guidance to these up and coming players eager to make their mark in the future.

Tonight, the inaugural Youth Olympic Games closes. It has been a great, new experience for the nation, from the torch relay across the nation, to the lighting of the cauldron, and to today's shutting of the Olympic flame... let us always have this YOG etched in our memories. Catch the closing ceremony tonight.

It's been a great deal of a moment for all of us Singaporeans.

Cheers for Singapore athletes

To all athletes, well done!

Special mention to table tennis player Isabelle Li, who surprised herself to make it to the final and secure a silver medal in the girls' singles event!

And the taekwando team which has brought us medals!

And the soccer team which has brought many of us Singaporeans together to display the kind of spirited unity at Jalan Besar we seldom ever see, except for some important Singapore National Team matches.

Can we win a gold medal?

YOG Opens!

Beautiful ending to the Opening Ceremony of the 1st ever YOG!

The Olympic anthem was very nicely done by the choristers (includes HCJC's choir!!). Then the torch is great. Of the Youth Olympians, Darren Choy probably deserved most to carry the torch to light the flame, as he is our biggest medal hope, as a 2-time world champion and gold medallist at last year's precursor Asian Youth Games.

The cauldron is special with the lighthouse design and the tornado effect of the flame. Cool stuff :D

And I would like to applaud one person in particular: IOC president Jacques Rogge. He is the brainchild of this extension to the Olympics, and one part of his speech genuinely struck me.

He talked about the vast difference between being a WINNER and a CHAMPION.

Very on the spot. (Y)(Y)

JYOF

I will be witnessing part of the Journey of the Youth Olympic Flame tomorrow! So excited :D

After National Day, it's the YOG and let us rally together for Singapore to host a successful inaugural Games!

At least the theme song Everyone sounds good and uplifting :D