Asian Youth Games Opens with High Energy, High Spirit
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
You could feel the pulsating music and high octane energy the moment you stepped into the Singapore Indoor Stadium. Responding readily to the emcees’ request for “Let’s hear you scream!”, and participating wholeheartedly in the “wave” and mini-cheer contests, the audience was primed for an exciting line-up at the opening ceremony of the inaugural Asian Youth Games (AYG) 2009.
Themed “Asia’s Youth, Our Future”, the AYG is the first multi-sport event for youth in the history of the Olympic Council of Asia. From 29 June to 7 July, it brings together some 1,400 outstanding athletes aged 14 to 17 from 43 National Olympic Councils (NOCs).
The climax of the ceremony was the arrival of the AYG torches at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. In the lead-up to this, the torch relays had passed through Singapore’s heartlands and Orchard Road on 28 June, as well as over 45 schools on 29 June. At 8.45 p.m. yesterday, the torches finally arrived at the Stadium, carried by Singapore’s own young athletes: swimmer Tao Li, bowler Remy Ong and shooter Jasmine Ser.
Accompanied by rapturous applause and cheers, the trio ran in unison up the stage and stepped toward the cauldron. As the platform slowly elevated the athletes and cauldron, they dipped their torches into the cauldron and lit the AYG flame just before 9pm. The simultaneous burst of pyrotechnics accompanied the electrifying start to the 1st AYG 2009 in Singapore.
Torch bearers (from front) swimmer Tao Li, bowler Remy Ong and shooter Jasmine Ser enter the Stadium to thunderous applause at about 8.45 p.m.
Here's a closer look at some of the exuberant performances by Singapore students that marked the occasion.
Using hoops, ribbons, sticks and balls, the pre-show segment was a seamless, free-style performance of "Grace in Motion", featuring CHIJ Secondary Toa Payoh, CHIJ St Nicholas Girls' School, CHIJ St Theresa's Convent and St Margaret's Secondary School.
Sure-footed, fast-moving inline skaters from Bendemeer Secondary School and Bukit Panjang Government High School exemplified the energy and vitality of youths as they skated confidently around the Stadium. Sleek moves and stunts, such as jumping over five fellow skaters, made for a breathtaking performance simply titled "Roller Skaters".
In a clear, confident voice, Amni Musfirah from the School of the Arts belted out the theme song "Asia's Youth, Our Future". She was accompanied by vocalists and dancers from the National University of Singapore Centre for the Arts.
The only item performed by primary school pupils, "Garden in the City" featured 400 pupils from Edgefield Primary School, Gongshang Primary School, Nan Hua Primary School and River Valley Primary School. Their enthusiastic performance welcomed foreign guests with the national flower Vanda Miss Joaquim and colourful streamers and ribbons. Singapore's multiculturalism was portrayed through the choice of songs - in Malay, Tamil, English and Chinese.
With light shooting off its reflective surface in all directions and special effects like smoke and pyrotechnics, the mirrored ball descended from the ceiling of the Stadium. It was flanked by two dancers on a suspended platform, symbolising the silver lining in adverse times and a timely reminder to young people that the future is bright. This segment marked the start of the item "Asia's Zest".
The energetic movements and robust vocal effects in "Asia's Zest" captured the energy and passion of Asia's youth. Bamboo is widely used in Asian society and also represents perseverance, longevity and friendship. The vibrant dance by students from Crescent Girls' School, Mayflower Secondary School and Nan Hua High School was a tribute to the growth and hardiness of youth.
Through the innovative use of props and costumes, "Spirit of Evolution" evoked the transition from the traditional to the modern. Despite the dramatic changes in choreography, costumes and accompanying music, the harmony of the whole performance was undisturbed, showing that there are always opportunities when one is flexible and adaptable.
Light, colour, movement, music - the audience was treated to a mesmerising sensory experience in the "Spirit of Evolution" by students from Deyi Secondary School, Henderson Secondary School, Hwa Chong Institution (College), National Junior College and Serangoon Junior College, and cadets from NCC Air
With a firm tug, the red dresses gave way to pretty white frocks. With the push of a button, the skirts lit up as the performers twirled to a dreamy tune in "Spirit of Evolution".
With their well-modulated bursts of movement, the dancers created a fluid series of movements that reminded us of Singapore's status as an island-nation surrounded by blue waters.
The crowd gave a warm welcome and cheered heartily as athletes and officials from the 45 National Olympic Councils (NOCs) marched on to the arena for the athletes' parade.
The parade began with Afghanistan and ended with hosts Singapore. With 90 youth athletes, Team Singapore is the largest contingent at the 1st Asian Youth Games.
Torch-bearers and Singapore athletes (from left) shooter Jasmine Ser, bowler Remy Ong and swimmer Tao Li lit the cauldron to signal the start of the AYG 2009.
At the finale of the ceremony, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who was the Guest-of-Honour, went on stage to meet and welcome athlete representatives from the 43 participating NOCs.