To the Youth of Asia!
With all the hype abuzzing around the upcoming inaugural Asian Youth Games (AYG), The Play Times (TPT) is excited to catch hold of the man behind the scene for a quick chat. At the helm of the team at the Singapore Sports Council is Mr Ng Eng Soon, the AYG Project Team Co-Director whose passion for sports knows no boundaries!
TPT Reporter : TPT understands that the AYG was first mooted as part of the bid for YOG. Is there a specific vision that has been established for the AYG?
Eng Soon : The AYG was created with the youth of Asia in mind. We wanted to create a legacy for Singapore and for Asia, hence the birth of the AYG. This will be an important stepping stone for the youth of Asia who wish to excel in the field of sports. The AYG is an excellent opportunity for them to hone their skills, while they learn the virtues of Olympism.
TPT Reporter : What are the milestones established?
Eng Soon : The official logo has already been launched and we are close to naming the official hotel, transport providers and other key partners who will be assisting in organising the Games.
We are looking forward to the unveiling of the AYG theme song and mascot in March. There will also be a line-up of other thrilling events such as the contest for the medal design in May, and the torch relay in June, as we roll out our countdown activities to the Games. It is going to be an exciting time!
TPT Reporter : How many countries have confirmed their participation?
Eng Soon : More than 10 countries have already confirmed their participation, with many others having sent us queries. We expect all of the member nations under the OCA umbrella to be represented at the inaugural Games.
TPT Reporter : What are the sports offered, the number of events and where will they be held?
Eng Soon : There will be nine sports: Aquatics (Diving and swimming), Athletics, 3-on-3 Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Football, Sailing, Shooting and Table Tennis with a total of 90 events to be staged at the AYG.
Careful consideration of several factors including infrastructure and competition ambience, was put into the selection of venues. Currently, the selected venues are Singapore Sports School (Swimming), Toa Payoh Swimming Complex (Diving), Bishan Sports Complex (Athletics), Anglican High School (Basketball), Sentosa (Beach Volleyball), Orchid Country Club (Bowling), Jalan Besar Stadium (Football), National Sailing Centre (Sailing), SAFRA Yishun (Shooting) and Toa Payoh Sports Hall (Table Tennis)
TPT Reporter : Being an inaugural event, what kind of support, e.g. from the sponsors, is the committee looking to garner for the AYG?
Eng Soon : The AYG is a regional event. This is also the first time we are hosting a multi-sport event since the 1993 South East Asian Games. The support from the public sector has been great and we are in the midst of rallying the private sector, in which we have gained traction.
The signs have been encouraging. Several sponsors have registered their interest. At the same time, we recognise the efforts of the many volunteers who will be coming onboard to contribute their invaluable help to the Games.
** TPT Reporter is happy to inform that all seems well and on track for the AYG. TPT will be on standby to deliver the latest updates and happenin’ news surrounding this momentous event, which will unabashedly usurp attention from 29 June till 7 July.
And to all interested sponsors, the AYG team would love to hear from you. Please don’t hesitate to drop a note to Cheryl_Koh@ssc.gov.sg to explore how you can be part of the exclusive Games!