STAR BLOGGERS

2 years ago, when I first heard the news from the television about Singapore winning the bid to host the inaugural Youth Olympic Games (YOG), the first thing that ran through my mind was, “I want to be a part of this!” very soon, I saw myself signing up as a volunteer through the school I am now in, which incidentally is the place where the Youth Olympic Village (YOV) was located. I waited for quite a while before finally receiving the email welcoming me to the victory ceremony team! Boy, I was thrilled and honoured! And as the saying goes…the rest is all history 

Seeing the efforts of students, staff, and other organisations (on television 2 years ago) in doing their part to ensure that Singapore wins the bid, it was definitely heart-warming then, because I could see Singaporeans coming together to do something for the nation. In addition, this is a time for Singapore to prove to the world that it is more than just a small red dot on the world map.

However, as fast as the news came to us and bringing along with it much excitement, the enthusiasm died off pretty fast. Maybe it was the duration of waiting. I might be stereotyping, but Singaporeans are generally impatient. Having to wait for something for 2 years, their interest would probably have faded. Even with the nearing of the YOG, the mood was still on the low. There was no “YOG is coming” atmosphere even with the decorations (including the banners, countdown etc) appearing around the different parts of the island, such as in Orchard Road, outside shopping malls, and around the heartlands.

 There were reports on YOG-related events in the news, but I cannot help but wonder, why is the spirit still so low? Has people not heard about it? Or are Singaporeans just giving the ‘heck-care’ attitude because they believe the government and YOG committee will handle it well? Even the merchandise stores along orchard road and in shopping malls did not attract much sales, not to mention getting anyone to stop by. From my view, there has not been enough publicity to the public, or should I say, there should be more activities or events that involve the public, to get them to understand the significance of such an inaugural event and how they can play a part in making it a memorable one for themselves, the athletes, and the world. The mere decorations would not be able to unite Singaporeans.

Two Fridays ago (30th July), I attended the YOG opening ceremony’s third rehearsal. It was much to my disappointment. Maybe I was having too high an expectation, but then again, things should have been better. The mood was far from frenzy. No matter how much the hosts (Daniel Ong and company) and youth motivators (leaders from secondary schools) tried to hype up the atmosphere and bring out the “YOG spirit”, the audience’s response was nothing but lukewarm. Even the performance was sloppy. Maybe I should be more forgiving, since it’s a rehearsal, but I’d definitely hope the ACTUAL one on the 14th would give me and the world an eye-opener. I had seen this year’s National Day Parade on television, and I could feel the Singaporeans-as-one spirit much more. Hopefully, on the 14th, the heat will be there.

Admittedly, according to the organisers,  there is a lack of volunteers for the entire YOG event as well. There were reports on students being forced to help out for YOG (because of the lack of numbers), and netizens criticising the government for putting too much focus on YOG, such as the ‘Give way to YOG’ signs painted on roads and the extravagant and increased budget used for YOG. I think it goes a long way reflecting the attitudes and characters of Singaporeans. Sad to say, we are not as ‘courteous’ as what the National Coutesy Campaign wants us to be, to go an extra mile to being kind. The budget may have been been slightly on the high, but we should be objective and open-minded people and show the world what Singapore is made of!

That aside, I would like to share about my role during the 12-days event. 12 days, neither long nor short, will be over sooner than it comes. I had several trainings till date, couple of which started since June. I could see that the volunteers were very eager to help out, and that is something I call kindness and the spirit of a Singaporean. Only times like this, that I can truly see Singaporeans coming together  I met new faces and forged new friendships, and learnt more about the history and culture of the olympics (and Singapore too), through our volunteer workforce portal. I believe that the culture and education programme portion is something that make Singapore’s proposal to host the YOG distinct from other bidders!

I felt very lucky and privileged, honoured as well, to be given the medal/mascot bearer position. The thought of being able to get close-up with the athletes, guests, and media, is to some extent, overwhelming. However, the entire experience is the most priceless one, and I guess I will never ever forget this lifetime experience. Whatever the position/role, each of us has an important part to play, to make the event successful altogether; it’s like a big jigsaw puzzle that would never be complete if one piece goes missing.

Above all, I must say, that we must compliment the staff of the YOG committee for their hard work since 2 years ago. They are like the backstage crew that do not seek recognition from the public, but do their job with passion. I can attest to that, for I see it with my own eyes during my trainings. They have had put in countless hours of OT and even burned their weekends; this, is what I call, passion!

To some, it may just be another athletic event, since Singapore has hosted a few sports-related events such as the SEA games. Nonetheless, it’s the first ever Youth Olympic, and it is something that the whole world is looking at. Hence, I call out to all Singaporeans to come together, to make the first YOG unforgettable for our guests, to be good hosts and show good sportsmanship, whether as athletes or as the audience. Afterall, we only get to do it once in our lives (for many of us), so why not give it our best? Let’s show the world what Singapore is made of.

Singapore 2010, WE ARE READY, I hope!

I am Li Zhen, second year student of Nanyang Technological University, doing a degree in Business, marketing. Currently I am with victory ceremony team for the YOG, helping out as a medal mascot bearer.

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