host posted on July 01, 2009 19:58
The excited crowd running together with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
AYG torch blazes across Singapore
Amid the loud cheers and claps, Deputy Prime Minister Mr Teo Chee Hean kicked off the first-ever Asian Youth Games (AYG) Torch Relay on 28 June with the lighting of the AYG Torch. The relay spanned over two days (28 and 29 June) and comprised two legs, the Community-Corporate Leg on Day One and the School Leg on Day Two.
Under the Community-Corporate Leg, the torch-bearers made their way separately from the Kallang Waterfront through landmarks within the five districts as well as the crowded Orchard belt. Over at the Yio Chu Kang Stadium, the community event, Ang Mo Kio-Yio Chu Kang Community Sports Festival, brought together masses of people from the Central District to welcome the arrival of the AYG Torch. The crowd was evidently excited to be a part of this segment of the Community Torch Relay, and to witness the much-touted torch in person.
When the AYG Torch arrived from its starting point at Kallang, James Wong, our former national discus thrower, held the torch as he entered the Yio Chu Kang Stadium, drawing huge cheers from the crowd. After making a lap around the track, he handed the torch over to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. PM Lee proceeded on to run out of the stadium, with the flaming AYG Torch proudly hoisted up. He was spurred on by the massive trail of public supporters who followed closely behind, as they were eager to be immersed in the the exhilarating torch relay atmosphere.
Later in the afternoon, the torch entered Orchard Road, one of Singapore's busiest streets. This stretch in the heart of Singapore was covered by different torch-bearers, including Singapore's very own swimming representative at the AYG, Quah Ting Wen. They ran down this leg to end at Marina Square, where Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minster for Community Development, Youth and Sports, was waiting. Dr Balakrishnan was the final torch-bearer, bringing the torch into the Games Village at Swissotel The Stamford, where a large animated crowd cheered him on.
The School Leg was kicked off on 29 June, where the torches travelled to 45 schools before finally reaching the Singapore Indoor Stadium.
The 200 torch-bearers, who consisted of community leaders, Team Singapore athletes and students were all smiles, as people waved and cheered the runners along their respective routes on both days. People from all walks of life were there to witness and be a part of this momentous and historic sporting event.
The torch relay ignited the start of the Games, where more than 1, 200 young athletes will compete in nine sports from 29 June till 7 July.