THE first Asian Youth Games Singapore 2009 Organising Committee (Saygoc) will take the Games to the community through the first-ever Asian Youth Games (AYG) Torch Relay. The event will be held over two days and the theme is: Igniting Sporting Passion in Asia's Youth.

The relay will be held over two days - the Community Leg on June 28 and the School Leg the following day.

The route of the Torch Relay was inspired by the orchid flower. Similar to the three petals of the flower, the relay will feature three routes that will cover the entire island via the five districts - Central Singapore, North East, North West, South East and South West.

The relay over all three routes will be run concurrently. Each route will represent one of the three Olympic values of Excellence (North East and South East Districts Route), Friendship (North West & South West Districts Route) and Respect (Central District Route).

More than 180 torch-bearers and over 70,000 participants from all walks of life are expected to be part of this event.

Mayor, Central Singapore District, Mr Zainudin Nordin, who is also the advisor to the AYG Torch Relay Organising Committee, said: 'We want to mark the inaugural Asian Youth Games with a meaningful activity that will involve the community at large.

'The torch relay will ensure that the AYG remains in the hearts and minds of Singaporeans. It will incite excitement and gather support for the youth sporting heroes from all over Asia. The five districts and the grassroots have been very supportive and we are glad to have them on board to be part of this historic event.'

The torch to be used for the AYG Torch Relay was officially passed to Saygoc during the event today. Receiving it was Mr Ng Ser Miang, Chairman of Steering Committee, Saygoc.

Forty-five stars were incorporated into the design of the torch to symbolise each of the Olympic Council of Asia's (OCA) Member National Olympic Committees (NOC) who were invited to participate in the AYG.

Mr Ng Ser Miang said: 'The torch relay is a very symbolic and iconic act in the sporting world. It is a privilege to stage our very own torch relay to commemorate the beginning of the AYG. We believe that through the torch relay, we will be able to gather support and further promote the Olympic values of Excellence, Friendship and Respect - the core of sportsmanship - island-wide.'