Singapore made history as the first country in the world to host the 1st Youth Olympic Games. Thursday 21st February 2008 will remain a special day for me when IOC President Jacques Rogge announced Singapore as the host city. Despite the short time frame to prepare for such a major sporting event, Singapore believes that it is possible. Possible it becomes… What a way to start building a sporting culture in Singapore!
As part of the YOG preparation, Singapore hosted the 1st Asian Youth Games. The National Swimmers made an inspirational impact on the Swimming Podium with 5 Gold, 2 Silver and 5 Bronze medals. Singapore Swimming continues to strategize and develop the National Plan for Swimming. Most of the successful sporting programs in the world would have a blueprint in their long-term strategic planning process. With a successful model in mind, both Singapore Swimming and the Singapore Sports Council are continuously working on a blueprint to position swimming on the world stage. SSA High Performance Team was formed in April 2009 to drive the sport forward.There is no turning back since.
During the 2009 SEA Games, there were 6 potential YOG swimmers on the National Swim Team. In total, they returned from Laos with 5 Gold, 6 Silver and 2 Bronze medals. It was an impressive performance for a young group of swimmers to podium in their first SEA Games appearance.The learning curve was tremendous for those swimmers. A positive outcome from the 2009 SEA Games, was the inclusion of their Coaches on the National Team. One can never under-estimate the importance of a strong coach-athlete mentorship program. It is a journey of commitment and perseverance. The continuity of such a program will ensure long-term success.Prior to the SEA Games, the team had the opportunity to participate in National training camps and other preparation meets.
After the SEA Games, Singapore Swimming continued to monitor the progress of the potential YOG swimmers. They have competed in the 41st Singapore National Age Group Swimming Championships in March 2010 and continued to participate in the 51st National Inter School Swimming Championships in April 2010. Running up to June, we have included a series of Swim Clinics/Workshops conducted by world-class coaches. In June, the YOG shortlisted swimmers will swim in the 6th Singapore National Swimming Championships.Following the event, some of the swimmers will intensify their YOG preparation with High Altitude Training Camps. To compliment the athlete’s preparation for YOG, the swimmers are also provided with Sports Science and Sports Medicine support.
We believe that national pride will bring out the best in every one of us and YOG will be our platform.
By: Ang Peng Siong, National Head coach, Singapore Swimming