Inaugural games attract 16 countries
30th June, Singapore: The inaugural Asian Youth Games 2009 Tenpin Bowling event has attracted a total of 16 countries which will kickoff on Wednesday at Orchid Bowl in Orchid Country Club. More than 6,200 spectators were treated to a visual spectacle which showcased the exuberance of youth and multi-cultural diversoty of Asia during the 1st Asian Youth Games 2009 opening ceremony on Monday.
The opening ceremony show segment was a sight to behold with three exciting mass displays titled "Garden in the City", "Asia's Zest" and "Spirit of Evolution" unfold at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.
Singapore's Prime Minister, Mr Lee Hsien Loong was the Guest of Honour. Representatives from the Olympic Council of Asia and the Singapore National Olympic Council were also present to witness the memorable event.
In his speech during the ceremonial segment, Mr Ng Ser Miang, Chairman of the Asian Youth Games Steering Committee, said: "The Asian Youth Games are being held in the true spirit of Olympism - with the value of excellence, friendship and respect."
These three values were embodied in the two-day Torch Relay event which began on June 28. Three torch bearers, comprising Singapore swimmer Tao Li, bowler Remy Ong and shooter Jasmine Ser then lit the cauldron with their torches, bringing the relay to an end.
Of course, the stars of the AYG were the athletes themselves. The crowd cheered and applauded as the contingent of 1,400 athletes participating in the AYG marched into the arena from the centrestage, backed by harmonious sounds from the Singapore Youth Orchestra.
Mr. Timothy Fok, Vice-President of the Olympic Council of Asia said: "I am confident that the inaugural Asian Youth Games in Singapore will add a new and bright chapter to the history of the Games and will be a benchmark for others to follow."
Asian Youth Games squad members representing Singapore are Boys: Basil Low, Basil Low, Justin Lim Chun Liang, Christopher Hwang and Brandon Lee; Girls: New Hui Fen, Krishna Darshini, Anthea Soh and Ilma Nur Jannah.
Despite the pulling out of the Malaysian contingent citing fears on the H1N1 pendemic, the bowling teams had their official practice today at Orchid Bowl following the team managers' meeting held last night.
A total of four events - Singles, Doubles, Team and Masters, will be contested and eight gold medals are at stake. The boys will kick off the championship with their Singles tomorrow morning followed by the girls in the afternoon.
The Doubles will be staged on Thursday thereafter the Team event split into two blocks of 3 games each over Friday and Saturday. The top 16 boys and top 16 girls in the All Events standings, will make the cut for the Masters Finals on July 5 and 6.
The top 3 at the end of the round-robin Masters finals will advance to the stepladder finals with the second-seed against the third-seed over a one-game playoff. The winner will meet the topseed over two-game total pinfalls to determine the champion.
Photos by Terence Yaw for SBF.