It is midway through the first Youth Olympic Games organised in Singapore. As a Singaporean and a fan of all kind of sports, I definitely looked forward to this occasion and I have carefully kept track of the Singaporean athletes. I must say that I am relatively satisfied for how they have performed and I hope that this would kick start and increase the standard in the declining sports scene especially in sports which are underfinanced. Now it is a good time to analyse why Singapore initiated YOG and what good it brings to Singapore.
In the opening ceremony speech where the chairman of the International Olympic Committee, Mr Rogge, mentioned that the purpose of the competition was to combine sports, education and culture. I believe that this is a breakthrough in the sports scene of Singapore, because the bar that the athletes have set is something that the Singaporean athletes may attempt to emulate, but more importantly expose them to the sporting world other than the Singapore-dominated competition in the Southeast Asia Games.
Secondly, the YOG unites people together. In a world where the term "competition" is encrypted in our minds, the YOG breeds healthy competition, and also demonstrates a high level of sportsmanship and brotherhood throught the shared identity in their passion for sports. No matter the race or religion, sports have been on of the few mediums where the world can be brought together without discrimination of one another.
Apart from promoting sports among Singaporeans, Singapore benfits through the publicity they get through organising the YOG, which brings out the best out of Singapore, which will definitely bring more revenue and economic benefits to us. Mr Rogge has commended the YOG for being a success, and this would undeniably be one of the greastest achievements and heights Singapore has reached in its promotion of global cultural hub.
Lastly, Singapore benefits in promoting sports and health among civillians. Organising such big events will raise interest among Singaporeans, who would get interested in certain sports and would participate in them. With such widespread live coverage of the competition live on television, many people would be watching it and some would pick up certain sports, which would make them healthier both physically and mentally.
Sports bring out the best and worst in men, from the greatest example of sportsmanship to the worst cheats in doping scandals. Through this global event, it would bring countries to unite together to be the strongest supporters for their country's athletes. The first Youth Olympic is only the developing stages. With more awareness for this competition, the International Olympic Comittee would hit greater heights in promoting sports.
I would be backing Team Singapore, and I wish the very best to the rest of the Youth Olympians who have demonstrated what we can expect of them.
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