Speeches
Speech by Ms Grace Fu, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of National Development and Ministry of Education, at the Asian Youth Games Village Opening Ceremony on Friday, 26 June 2009 at 9.00am at Swissôtel the Stamford, Singapore
Mr Teo Ser Luck, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports & Ministry of Transport and Advisor, Singapore Asian Youth Games Organising Committee
Miss Sum Chee Wah, Co-Chairperson, Singapore Asian Youth Games Organizing Committee
Mr Oon Jin Teik, Co-Chairperson, Singapore Asian Youth Games Organizing Committee
Mrs Lim Thian Loke, Village Mayor, Asian Youth Games Village
Delegates from Participating Member National Olympic Committees,
AYG Colleagues,
Distinguished Guests,
Good morning
It is my pleasure to join you today, as we celebrate the opening of the Games Village, home to the first ever Asian Youth Games. To our guests from overseas, I wish you a warm welcome, and a meaningful, enjoyable stay in Singapore. We hope that you will feel at home with the facilities provided. More importantly, we hope that you will experience the cultures of Asia, make friends and see more of Singapore through the many activities organized for you. Many people, including students and teachers, have volunteered their time and effort to ensure the success of the AYG. We hope that you will make the most of these opportunities.
H1N1
The AYG is being held amidst a challenging backdrop. The recent H1N1 virus outbreak is a timely reminder that we live in a globalised world. Communities are more connected today because of the ease of international travel and communications. Consequently, what happens half way around the world can have an impact on us. The H1N1 virus first emerged in Mexico just two months ago but has now become a global pandemic, spreading to close to 100 countries. The AYG has not been spared. As you would be aware, some AYG participants were discovered to have H1N1 and are undergoing medical treatment. To these athletes, we wish you speedy recovery. Others had to be quarantined. The organizers had anticipated these scenarios and taken the necessary precautionary measures to minimize community spread and ensure the well-being of all participants. It is also important that everyone does his part to exercise social responsibility.
We should not however let these challenges dampen our spirits. Life must go on as normally as possible and similarly, the AYG. Indeed, the collective efforts of the athletes and volunteers to push ahead with the Games is commendable and reflects the values that the AYG is centered on—to excel in our sports, demonstrate our team spirit and not be deterred by obstacles like H1N1. In the process of tackling H1N1 hand-in hand, showing concern for one another, friendships have also blossomed—between countries, delegates, volunteers, parents and officials. In fact, I understand that some of our volunteers who were in close contact with these athletes have even asked to come back to continue their duties in the Games Village after their rest at home.
Preparing students for the future
As the co-organiser of the Asian Youth Games with the Singapore Sports Council, the Ministry of Education hopes to bring an emphasis on education to the Games as part of the holistic development of our youths.
To succeed in a globalised world, today’s youth must have a global mindset—to learn not only about your own society, but to also connect and build networks with others, across different cultures and languages. We also have to anchor our beliefs in meaningful goals and contribute as an active member of society. We believe that sports is an excellent way of equipping our youths with the right skills, mindsets and values for the 21st century. Sports and volunteerism help develop strong interpersonal skills, discipline in time management, perseverance and a strong sense of purpose. This is why our Games Village is founded on the Olympian values of excellence, friendship and respect.
Today, we have the pleasure of hosting almost 1,400 athletes from 45 participating National Olympic Committees. The athletes are here because of their outstanding achievements in their field of sports. We look forward to witnessing the display of your talents and skills.
The AYG is also a platform for our students to forge links with their peers from different parts of Asia and learn about other cultures. Around 100 of our schools have twinning programmes with the participating NOCs, and their students have prepared booths at the Games Village, which showcase the cultures of the different regions in Asia. Student performances are also in the pipeline. Altogether, around 6000 of our students are involved in the AYG in some way or the other. I am confident that the Games Village will be a vibrant place that will see new friendships forged and networks built across youth from the region.
Conclusion
In closing, I wish to thank the organizers of the inaugural Asian Youth Games, as well as all other organizations that have lent us their valuable expertise. I also wish to express my appreciation to all the hardworking volunteers, including the students, teachers and Ministry of Education staff who have made this event possible. In addition, Swissôtel’s General Manager, Mr Aiden McAuley, and his dedicated team must take credit for the pleasant and comfortable setting of our village—thank you.
It is now my pleasure to declare the 2009 Asian Youth Games Village open.