Youth Olympic Games

[SingaporeCity]

Handling of incident a testament to quality of our systems: Minister

The Youth Olympic Games witnessed a near-miss: A foreign athlete dislocated his neck, which could have paralysed him.

But, thanks to prompt attention, the athlete is on the road to recovery.

Said Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports Vivian Balakrishnan: "He's just come out of surgery. So far, so good." The Minister did not reveal the athlete's identity.

The incident, which was the most serious injury suffered during the Games, testified to the "quality of our systems, the responsiveness", Dr Balakrishnan said.

Overall, the Minister felt that the security and safety of the 12-day Games went well. He reserved special praise for the 20,000 volunteers, who showed that Singaporeans also "know how to smile ... how to be welcoming".

Dr Balakrishnan acknowledged that the organisers could have done some things better - in the areas of public engagement, ticketing and cheaper merchandising prices. Still, as the Games concluded yesterday, "almost all" merchandise at the Youth Olympic Village were sold out, he noted. Leong Wee Keat

[SingaporeCity]

Another source:

'These images have been beamed all over the world. If the URA (Urban Redevelopment Authority) can sell a plot of land in Marina Bay, that will more than pay for what we have invested in these Games,' he said, adding that the government would continue explaining and justifying the merits of the expenditure in order to win over the naysayers.

Money spent on Youth Olympic Games was worthwhile: Minister

SINGAPORE - Nearing the final straight and realising that initial budget estimates were wrong, Community Development, Youth and Sports Minister Vivian Balakrishnan was faced with a decision on the Youth Olympic Games.

"Do we really go in half-baked?" asked Dr Balakrishnan, "or do we make sure that while we're still very careful with money, we spend enough to deliver a set of games that meets Singapore's standards, that'll make us proud and still be value for money?"

Speaking to Singapore media at a press conference yesterday, Dr Balakrishnan brought up the issue of busting the Games' estimated budget. It is now expected that the Games will have cost about $387 million - three times the original estimate.

However, Dr Balakrishnan reiterated that the money spent was "worthwhile" and Singapore got bang for the buck.

The Minister cited several figures to back this up: Some 180 international broadcasters carried the YOG, with a potential viewership of two billion people.

YOG's YouTube channels drew more than 5 million views - double that of this year's Vancouver Winter Olympics.

The event was also among the top 10 trends on social media network Twitter.

"Whether you like it or not, the fact is that people were talking about it and disseminating it," Dr Balakrishnan said.

Asked about online criticisms on the Games' organisation and its cost, Dr Balakrishnan said the questions raised were "valid but not new". "I'm sure I'll face more questions in Parliament," he said.

While Dr Balakrishnan said the critics were entitled to their opinions, he wished they had "actually participated or volunteered or did something in the Games".

Referring to media reports that a man had been arrested for allegedly inciting violence - after he had posted certain remarks regarding the Games on social networking site Facebook - Dr Balakrishnan said: "I didn't know about it until I read about it in the papers. It shows that I almost didn't care. I had more important things to do."

Without citing any numbers, the Minister said the Games would bring Singapore "significant tangible benefits" in infrastructure, business opportunities, tourism and consumer spending.

He said that he has "no doubts that we'll recoup our investments" on all counts.

The YOG and the upcoming Formula One night race are also part of the "larger game plan of repositioning Singapore".

"We now want to be one of the most exciting, happening, dynamic, vibrant places that cater to all needs," said the Minister.

"After these Games, everyone will know that we are capable of hosting the world, we are capable of doing it with style and efficiency, we are good for our word, we deliver exactly and in fact, we go beyond."

Such a reputation has "significant investment value", Dr Balakrishnan noted.

"The Singapore Government hasn't lost its bearings and its carefulness in spending money. Don't worry about that," he said.

[Lifestyle-1881]

From last night YOG closing ceremony...

Spectators arriving





Arrived late so must seat at the last row of the grandstand...
Using all my extenders ..

[Vrooms]

Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games Closing Ceremony (26 August 2010)

image hosted on flickr


image hosted on flickr




NANJING 2014 YOUTH OLYMPIC GAMES
image hosted on flickr


image hosted on flickr

[jpatokal]

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSSGE68F0EH20100916

The Singapore government has admitted it underestimated how much it would cost to host the inaugural Youth Olympics, which saw initial estimates of S$107 million ($80 million) balloon to S$387 million.

"We were plain wrong," Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports Vivian Balakrishnan said in comments published by local media on Thursday.

The event, which saw 3,500 teenage athletes from more than 200 National Olympic Committees compete in 26 sports, was praised by IOC President Jacques Rogges but was heavily criticised by media for its lack of big names and poor attendance.

Must not be the Singapore media they're talking about there

[Maxva]

hi frnds check Winter youth olympic games 2011 schedule and dates information here and bookmark this link for regular updates about results
Winter Youth Olympic Games 2011 Schedule

[hakz2007]

Nanjing Youth Olympics mascot unveiled

The word "lele" represents the sound of stones colliding together and is pronounced like the Chinese word meaning happiness or joy, organizers said.

Nanjing has been famous for its colorful riverstones or Rain-Flower Pebble as Chinese call them.

International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge said the mascot design was "inspiring".

Read more

[wega4321]

Singapore is well developed country and will organize the Youth Olympic Games the very best.

[Madrenergic]

Originally Posted by wega4321

Singapore is well developed country and will organize the Youth Olympic Games the very best.

Did you just fall out of a time machine?

[Simon91]

LOL that was random.