Corporates Pledge Support For Inaugural Asian Youth Games

Corporates Pledge Support For Inaugural Asian Youth Games

11 Asian Youth Games' partners and sponsors presented with token of appreciation by Minister Vivian Balakrishnan

Singapore, 17 March 2009 - The 1st Asian Youth Games (AYG) Singapore 2009 has been receiving rousing support from the private sector, with 11 organisations on board the AYG sponsorship bandwagon. In acknowledgement of their support for the AYG, Guest-of-Honour Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports, presented these organisations with tokens of appreciation during a ceremony held at the Chefs de Mission Welcome Dinner at the Grand Copthorne Waterfront earlier today.

The 11 organisations include Fraser and Neave Ltd - Official Isotonic Drink (100 Plus) and Official Water (Ice Mountain); NTUC Fairprice Co-operative Ltd as Partner; and NETS (Singapore) as the preferred card; among others.

Buoyed by the warm support from the private sector for the inaugural AYG, Minister Vivian said: "The AYG is Singapore's first opportunity to organise a multi-sports event specifically for youths in Asia. The AYG presents a unique sponsorship value proposition. It will be a high profile platform to reach youths of Asia."

The evening also saw a gathering of 54 delegates from 42 National Olympic Councils (NOCs) for the AYG Chefs de Mission Meeting, which will take place on 18 and 19 March 2009. The delegates will be provided with details ranging from the AYG sports events to medical services at the two-day meeting.

Minister Vivian, added, "We look forward to the continued strong support from the officials of all 44 NOCs; the private, public and people sectors; friends from the media; volunteers; as well as Singaporeans at large. I am confident that your collective support will help us deliver a wonderful first AYG."

The AYG will be held from 29 June to 7 July 2009 and will feature a total of 90 events across nine sports - aquatics (swimming and diving), athletics, basketball FIBA 33 (3-on-3 basketball), beach volleyball, bowling, football, sailing, shooting and table tennis. Football will be kicking off two weeks prior to the official opening of the game, on 17 June 2009 onwards so as to accommodate the qualifying rounds.

Organisations that wish to be a part of the first-ever AYG can contact the AYG Secretariat at 6500 5522 and ayg2009@ssc.gov.sg

For media enquiries, please contact:

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

Hazwani Hasni
Media Relations Officer
1st Asian Youth Games Singapore 2009
DID: 6500 5246
Email: hazwani_hasni@ssc.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.