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.