SM Goh Chok Tong at the Community Celebration for the Second Day of the Singapore Leg of the Journey of the Youth Olympic Flame

Five months ago, I unveiled the torch and the design of the portable cauldron for the Journey of the Youth Olympic Flame. Tonight, I am very pleased to hold the Youth Olympic Torch again and to light the cauldron at the beautiful campus of ITE College East. The Youth Olympic Flame has travelled from Ancient Olympia, across five continents, before arriving in Singapore. Let it ignite the competitive spirit of our sports men and women and open the hearts of all Singaporeans to our foreign guests as we host the YOG.

Gathered with us here this evening are some exchange students from Australia’s Boxhill Institute, U.S’ Kirkwood Community College and Canada’s Southern Alberta Institute of Technology. They too are joining in the celebration, and will be putting up a percussion performance with students from ITE and Metta School. I am told that these overseas students were very enthusiastic about being part of tonight’s celebration and had no hesitation in joining the ITE students in rehearsals. Within just a few rehearsals, they not only managed to learn their parts, but also bonded well with our students. This exemplifies how the Youth Olympics can promote universal values of Friendship, Excellence and Respect regardless of race or nationality. I bid all of you a warm welcome.

We are proud to score a “double first”: hosting an Olympic Games for the first time and hosting the first Youth Olympic Games (YOG). But the Games have not yet begun. To ensure its total success and that our guests leave with happy memories, we need the support of all Singaporeans – as spectators and hosts.

On 14 August 2010, and for the 12 days thereafter, the eyes of the world will be on Singapore. We expect some 5,000 athletes and officials, nearly 2,000 media representatives, and over 370,000 spectators to be in Singapore for the Youth Olympic Games. Many more around the world will watch the Games on TV. Most of them probably have heard of our reputation as a clean and green city, our efficient Changi Airport, SIA (a great way to fly), and our vibrant economy. We are less known for our hospitality, graciousness, and competitive spirit. So let us use this unique opportunity to show the world the spirit of Singapore and the smiles of Singaporeans. Let all athletes, officials and international visitors leave Singapore with wonderful memories of the Youth Olympic Games and fond recollections of Singapore.

The focus of many Singaporeans will, of course, be on Team Singapore. Many members of Team Singapore have worked very hard and overcome great odds to excel in their chosen sports and to be selected to represent Singapore. Let me cite a few examples. First, Stefanie Tan. She has been the No. 1 tennis player in Singapore since she was 13. But she initially could not meet the strict standards of the International Tennis Federation to qualify for a spot on the YOG. Stefanie decided that the YOG was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, especially as the competition will be held on home ground. So, with her family’s support, she took a year off from school to travel round the world to participate in competitions and move up the ranking ladder. Her efforts and sacrifice have earned this feisty Singaporean athlete a coveted spot at the YOG. Unfortunately, she is not present today as she is away on an intensive training camp. We wish her all the very best.

Another example is Jamie Emma Wee, a weightlifter, who’s a torch bearer tonight. Jamie was actually a school badminton player. But about 18 months ago, while working out in a public gym, she was spotted by Mr Tan Howe Liang, Singapore’s first Olympic medallist. Howe Liang invited her to train with the Team Singapore weightlifters. After months of intensive training, Jamie is now the only female weightlifter representing Team Singapore at the YOG.

My last example is Nur Nasthasia Nadiah, also a torch bearer tonight. She is the sole female in the Singapore National Cycling Squad for the Youth Olympic Games. When she was 9 years old, her father brought her to a race and this ignited her passion for cycling. She has been riding and training ever since. Nasthasia has shown her tenacity by overcoming the hurdles of balancing school work, time tables, as well as overseas training and competitions. She is set to do Singapore proud.

There are 127 other athletes who will represent Team Singapore in the YOG, each with his own story of passion, hard work and sacrifice. These athletes represent the can-do spirit of the new generation of Singaporeans, a generation that is prepared to live its dreams beyond economic pursuits.

To conclude, the YOG is a celebration of the drive and abilities of youths. It is about doing one’s best and competing in an honest and fair manner. It is about representing your country, and making friends around the world. It is about Friendship, Excellence and Respect, and not just about winning medals. As we gather here on the eve of Singapore’s 45th National Day, I wish our young athletes success in the Games. Singaporeans will cheer you as you live your dreams and fly our flag.

Thank you.

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