Opening Ceremony

Youth Olympic Games Opening

The Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games got off to a dazzling start on Saturday night, with the city's skyline providing a magnificent backdrop to a rousing opening ceremony, dedicated to the more than 3,500 athletes in attendance from all corners of the world. 



The 27,000 people at Marina Bay were treated to a two-hour show that showcased Singapore's rich history and celebrated the cultural diversity of the country's indigenous people and the young Olympians, aged 14 to 18, who will compete in the Games' 26 events. 



The inaugural competition is designed to be a stepping-stone for young athletes striving to compete at the Summer Olympics. And while sport will be the main focus over the next two weeks, there is a simultaneous cultural and educational programme to teach the athletes from the 204 participating countries about Olympic values and global issues.

" We open a new chapter in the history of the Olympic Movement. From this moment on, young people from around the world have a chance to participate in a global event that combines sport, education and culture," IOC president Jacques Rogge said. “To win, you merely have to cross the finish line," he said.
"To be a champion, you have to inspire admiration for your character, as well as for your physical talent."


The Games were officially opened by Singapore president S R Nathan who said: "Throughout this programme, our young Olympians will take part in activities and discussions on global and social issues as well as learn how they can make a positive impact in their community."

The show was tailored for the age group it was addressing and its messages ranged from fairness in competition to combating hunger and disease and promoting world peace. It also included 54 teen-oriented multimedia videos specifically produced for the opening ceremony.

"This is an excellent opportunity for our young athletes to participate in these Games” said IOC member and President of the St. Lucia Olympic Committee, Richard Peterkin. "Tonight’s ceremony really focused on the athletes, it was very dynamic and highlighted the challenges that all young athletes face in trying to achieve their goals.”

The opening ceremony marked the first time Olympic athletes were brought into the event early and did not march behind the flags of their country. Instead, they entered from both sides of the stage of the Marina Bay venue while spectators rose to their feet, clapping and cheering them. Included in the procession of competitors were the five young athletes from St. Lucia, Boxer Lyndell Marcellin, Runner Rosen Daniel, Sailor Stephanie Lovell and Swimmers Julien Brice and Siona Huxley, accompanied by their coaches and head of delegation, Olympian Jamie Peterkin.

The athletes’ entrance was followed by a thunderous display of drumming, accompanied by myriad dancers of all ages. At one point, a menacing monster that represented the inner fears and struggles of everyone in attendance cast an imposing shadow over the event.

More than 5,000 performers, including children from 47 Singapore schools, were involved in the ceremony.



Throughout the show, fireworks lit the sky. More than 2,000 were used and they were synchronised to the music and shot from the crowns of various buildings around Marina Bay. The result was a spectacular occasion from beginning to end.

In the latter part of the ceremony, the flags of all 204 participating nations were brought onto the stage by representative athletes, and swimmer Siona Huxley, the sole local qualifier for the Youth Olympics, proudly carried the St. Lucia flag on stage.

Sailor Darren Choy, Singapore's 2010 Sports Boy of the Year, was given the honour of lighting the Youth Olympic flame. Choy competes in the boys' one-person dinghy event and the 32-metre high cauldron he ignited resembled a lighthouse to symbolise a guiding light that welcomes people to a safe harbour.



Olympic swimming legend Michael Phelps, who won eight gold medals at the Beijing 2008 Games, reminded the young athletes that winning was not everything. In a video address, he said: “Do your best but above all, have fun."