Youth Olympic Games (YOG) Opening

First YOG Opening Ceremony

Last Saturday, the curtain finally raised for the 1st Youth Olympic Games Opening Ceremony in Singapore.    It was a definite first in many ways. 

Besides being the 1st YOG in the world, it was the 1st time when Singapore has been visited by so many different nations – 204 – all at once.  It was the 1st Biggest Show Singapore has ever staged. It was the 1st time, we see 3600 teenage athletes pursuing their dreams in the grandest way they could ever possible – in a Game that is dedicated to them.  It was the 1st time, the YOG Olympic flame Cauldron use only one third of fuel used by the conventional Olympic Cauldron .  There are more first but this was definitely a moment to treasure by those who participate in it, by the 27,000 spectators in the stands and by those who have watched it around the world.

The creative team of the YOG organizers expects no less from the Opening Ceremony for the first youth edition of the Olympic Games. Let’s recall some of the interesting moments during the Opening Ceremony.

On the stage, there are 6 giant LED screens which is about the size of 65 sets of 46 inch TV put together. Off the main stage is a reflecting pool, which took eight hours and 200 tonnes of water to fill.  This reflecting pool acts as an innovative and interesting platform for creative performances.

Indian performers in traditional peacock costumes who are dancing to the tune of “Bum Bum Bole”, an Indian childhood song.

Young Chinese performers dance with lanterns to the music of “Ke Ren Lai” 客人来 which is a song sing to welcome the arrival of guests.

Malay performers dance to the beat from the Kompangs and carrying tepak sireh (traditional container) and bunga mangga (traditional floral displays which are used to welcome special guests).

A giant of 12-metre big Monster depicts inner fears and struggles.  Unity in strength and courage finally triumph over the monster.

Combining the elements of fire and water, the school of carp transforms into a dragon, as pyrotechnics flare its head and tail.

Children representing the 91 nationalities in Singapore escort the Singapore Flag out onstage during the Opening ceremony of YOG.

The crowds dazzled by the glittery phoenix bearing the inaugural YOG Flame flew across the Marina Bay.

750 youths holding lighted tubes are forming five white Olympic rings, depicting a man-made Fountain of Youth in the reflective pool.

As for all Olympic Games, lighting the flame is the high point of ceremony. Taking the centre stage is the 32-metre tall cauldron, which is built to resemble a lighthouse.  The cauldron can withstand temperatures of up to 300 deg C.

It produced a spiral burning effect travelling up the cylindrical structure before lighting up the cauldron.  At 10.16pm, it was lighted by Singapore National sailor, Darren Choy, 16, who is a double sailing world champion.

Closing the historical opening ceremony is a spectacular display of firework which marks the beginning of the 1st Youth Olympic Games.

Photos: Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games