YOG

watching the YOG opening ceremony now.
I can't say I am impressed, because I am not really impressed. Yes we are praised for our logistical genius and I can concede with that, but for our creativity, there is still much room for improvement.

But something more compelling which drove me to comment is the country presentation. Basically the last part - the most important part - is the showcase of all the participating countries. I know it is difficult to coordinate with hundreds of athletes, but this segment should be almost picture perfect. It is atrocious to see youths walking around with their flag trying to find their respective placard with their country's name. Why can't they pause to let the athlete wave their flag for a while, to take in the audience, before walking away to form up at their positions? It is disrespectful to the flag, and doesn't mean they are youths the importance and solemnity of the flag should be undermined.  To quote a sgt, fast is slow, and slow is fast. Why bother walking so fast when the flagbearer cannot catch up, hence making it quite disorganised.

However, I must say it was quite an eye-opener. In some ways I felt that the YOG had more emphasis than the NDP, in terms of the more elaborate costumes and performance. What is more satisfying is the filled up seats of not Singaporeans but rather people from 205 countries. Also I like the fact that youths from different countries were roped in for the performances, which (my vocab is failing) demonstrates the spirit of YOG. Also, I like the water-ed part of the platform, adds quite nice effects and enhances the visual feast.

Personally, I did not understand some of the performance in the YOG, especially why the involvement of so many little children in the performances. Ok I agree that some children can be involved to add some "young blood", but then this is a YOG not a COG? =/ maybe I am just being too particular.

The last part, especially the official torch lighting segment, was dramatic and hence exciting. I liked the super lit boat, and the running down of the torch bearer, and of course it was a good choice to give Darren, since he has been two time champion and hence "worthy" of it :)

In general, I am quite proud that Singapore managed to get the hosting rights for this inaugural YOG. it will seriously put Singapore on the world map, and it is one big advertising feature to youths - the future spenders and leaders. Also we get to know quite a number of less-known countries too - well we were one before weren't we?