Inaugural Asian Youth Games' Chef De Mission Meeting A Success

Inaugural Asian Youth Games' Chef De Mission Meeting A Success

Events Participation Details and Chief Medical Officer for AYG Unveiled

Singapore, (19 March 2009) - The Singapore Asian Youth Games Organising Committee (SAYGOC) shared participation details, ranging from accreditation to sports entries quotas, of the world's first Asian Youth Games (AYG) at the Chefs de Mission Meeting, held on 18 and 19 March 2009. A total of 55 delegates from 40 Asian countries attended the two-day session.

During the meeting, SAYGOC unveiled the sports participation details for the AYG. SAYGOC is working on a system to monitor and ensure quality of stay during the Games for all participants in a bid to host athletes and officials in a single village. The committee is seeking inputs from the chefs de mission and are in consultation with Olympic Council of Asia for the system. Reference will be taken from the entries by name and the system will kick in when the participation entry numbers are more definite. Each participating nation will have till end-April 2009 to submit their entries by name to SAYGOC.

In addition, the delegates were also provided with details of the medical facilities and other pertinent services that will be made available to their contingents during the Games period. The Ministry of Health will be supporting SAYGOC in the delivery of the medical services during the AYG.

Professor Tay Boon Keng, Senior Consultant, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery of the Singapore General Hospital, will helm the AYG's medical services as Chief Medical Officer. Apart from being responsible for the planning, preparation and implementation of AYG's medical services plan, Professor Tay will also be the main contact point to the OCA's Medical Committee and Anti-Doping Commission. A Medical Committee within SAYGOC will be supporting Professor Tay in his all-important tasks.

Mr Oon Jin Teik, Chief Executive Officer, SSC and Co-Chair of SAYGOC, said, "The preparations for the landmark Asian Youth Games have gained significant momentum in recent weeks. The gathering of the delegates of the Chefs de Mission Meeting is critically important in helping us to put together the final finer details for the organisation of the games. We are very encouraged by the valuable inputs and feedback which will help us to move ahead with a lot of things. This can only further spur us to deliver a memorable event for athletes, officials and spectators alike. As we put in the final building blocks to the inaugural Asian Youth Games, we look forward to the continued strong support from all partners from the private, public and people sectors - volunteers, and the community at large."

The AYG, which will be held from 29 June to 7 July 2009, is set to feature almost 1,100 athletes across nine sports - aquatics (swimming and diving), athletics, FIBA33 (3-on-3 basketball), beach volleyball, bowling, football, sailing, shooting and table tennis. The AYG is set to host about 1,100 athletes and officials.

For media enquiries, please contact:

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

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

Jeanne Tan
Corporate Communications Executive
Corporate Communications Division
DID: 68796118
Email: Jeanne_tan@moe.gov.sg

About the 1st Asian Youth Games Singapore 2009
The Asian Youth Games (AYG) is an international multi--ports 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 is 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.

For media enquiries, please contact:
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.