Let The Games Begin!
Two years ago, IOC President Jacques Rogge announced that Singapore was picked over Moscow to host the first ever Summer Youth Olympic Games in 2010. And last night, the President of Singapore, S R Nathan, declared the inaugural Youth Olympic Games opened in a dazzling opening ceremony held at the floating platform in Marina Bay.
You will learn the meaning between winning and being a champion. To win, you merely have to cross the finish line first. To be a champion, you have to inspire admiration for your character, as well as for your physical talents. You have to compete in the spirit of fair play, respecting your opponents and the rules, without doping or any other unfair advantage. If you can reach that pinnacle, if you are ready to serve as role models for your generation, then you will all be champions irrespective of your rankings – IOC President Jacques Rogge’s speech to mark the openings of the Youth Olympic Games.
Unlike the usual parades of the different participating contingents at major Games’ opening ceremony, the competitors joined the 27,000 audiences in the stands to celebrate a historic moment and was treated to a stunning performance showcasing Singapore’s multiracial cultures and the Olympic values as well as display of spectacular fireworks!
Representatives from the athletes, the umpires and the coaches taking the Olympic Pledge.
The moment everyone was eagerly anticipating the whole night finally arrived as tension filled the air when torch bearers passed on the Olympic Flame in its final stretch towards lighting the Olympic cauldron.
Two-time world champion sailor Darren Choy running across a reflecting pool and lowered the torch towards the base of the lighthouse. This will surely be a moment Darren will remember for the rest of his life.
The flame quickly shot up the 32m high cylindrical structure and light up the Youth Olympic Cauldron. For the first time, the Olympic flame burn on this tiny red dot of an island and it will burn brightly until 26 August.
To all the athletes who came here to achieve your dreams of Citius, Altius, Fortius, do it in style and do it with Friendship, Excellence and Respect. Let the Games Begin!
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