1st Asian Youth Games Singapore 2009 Mascot And Theme Song Unveiled

1st Asian Youth Games Singapore 2009 Mascot And Theme Song Unveiled

Singapore, 19 March 2009 - The official mascot and theme song for the first Asian Youth Games Singapore has been officially unveiled today by Guest-of-Honour Mr Teo Ser Luck, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports & Ministry of Transport at a ceremony witnessed by hundreds of Singaporeans at Velocity.

Official Mascot

2. The AYG's official mascot is the embodiment of the values and spirit of the AYG. The sprightly lion exemplifies friendship, respect and excellence. It constitutes a spirited representation of young hearts and minds in pursuit of sporting excellence. Members of the public are invited to participate in the 'Name the AYG Mascot' Contest which begins today. The deadline for the submission of names is 27 March 2009 and the official name of the mascot will be announced on 15 April 2009.

3. Mr Teo Ser Luck said, "These are exciting times for Singapore sports, as well as for the participating nations, and despite the mounting pressure that we showcase a memorable AYG, I am confident that the collective teamwork, buttressed by contributions from sponsors, partners, volunteers and the community, that is, each and every one of you here, will help us deliver the milestone that the AYG is. Your involvement can be as simple as being a spectator during the Games, cheering on our local heroes. Or you may wish to volunteer your skills then, to get even closer to the exciting happenings."

4. Mr Oon Jin Teik, Co-Chair of SAYGOC and Chief Executive Officer of SSC said, "The mascot best embodies the spirit of the Asian Youth Games ? it is young, vibrant and is highly representative of Singapore. Over the next week, we hope to engage the Singapore community to get involved in naming the AYG mascot."

AYG Theme Song

5. Entitled 'Asia?s Youth, Our Future', the AYG theme song carries the message of hope, friendship and comity. Composed by well-known musician Iskandar Ismail and written jointly by Mr Jose Raymond and Mr Hoo Cher Liek, staff officers from the AYG co-organisers, the Singapore Sports Council and the Ministry of Education, the theme song will be sung by youth singers, Nathan Hartono and Lian Kim Selby.

6. "MOE is proud to contribute towards the creation of the theme song. It conveys the ideal of our youth coming together to share and build their dreams hand in hand with others. We hope that the song will inspire the youth of Asia to seize the moment, unite and work towards realising their dreams in order to build a better future for the world", said Ms Sum Chee Wah, Co-Chair of SAYGOC and Director of Education Programme at MOE.

7. The theme song can be downloaded from the AYG website at ayg2009.sg

For media enquiries, please contact:

Ion Danker
Media Relations Officer
1st Asian Youth Games Singapore 2009
DID: 6500 5234
Mobile: 9113 7260
Email: ion_danker@ssc.gov.sg

Tanty Nazlianah Rosli
Media Relations Officer
1st Asian Youth Games Singapore 2009
DID: 6500 5241
Mobile: 9237 2020
Email: tanty_nazlianah@ssc.gov.sg

Winnie Lim
Corporate Communications Executive
Ministry of Education
DID: 68796023
Mobile: 9615 4899
Email: winnie_lim@moe.gov.sg

Jeanne Tan
Corporate Communications Executive
Ministry of Education
DID: 68796118
Mobile: 9634 7199
Email: jeanne_tan@moe.gov.sg

About the 1st Asian Youth Games Singapore 2009
The Asian Youth Games (AYG) is an international multi-sports event held every four years to complement the existing Asian Games. The idea was first mooted as part of Singapore's Youth Olympic Games bid in 2007. On 3 April 2008, the Olympic Council of Asia's (OCA) Executive Board unanimously agreed to award the hosting of the first AYG to Singapore. This decision was backed by all 45 members of the OCA on 6 April 2008.

The inaugural AYG, which will be co-organised by the Singapore Sports Council and the Ministry of Education aims to gather the youth from around Asia in a celebration of youth, sports and learning where they will engage in friendly competition and imbibe the Olympic sporting values of excellence, friendship and respect. AYG Singapore 2009 will see athletes aged between 14 and 17 from 45 OCA member nations competing in 90 events across nine sports from 29 June to 7 July 2009. Please visit www.ayg2009.sg for more information.

About Singapore Sports Council
The Singapore Sports Council (SSC) is Singapore's lead agency tasked with developing sports in Singapore. Our vision is to create a Sporting Singapore where Sports is a way of life. SSC aims to develop sports champions and create enjoyable sporting experiences for Singapore through the three strategic thrusts of cultivating a sporting culture, achieving sports excellence and creating a vibrant sports industry. Formed on 1 October 1973, SSC is a statutory board under the purview of the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports. Please visit the SSC website at www.ssc.gov.sg for more information.

About Ministry of Education
The Singapore Ministry of Education (MOE) formulates and implements education policies and programmes in consultation with its stakeholders. These policies and programmes aim to help all students discover their talents, realise their potential, and develop a passion for learning that lasts through life. MOE also oversees the development and management of the Government and Government-aided primary schools, secondary schools and junior colleges. Please visit www.moe.gov.sg for more information.