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ON THE OLYMPIC TRAIL: PM Lee (second from left) is shown the various Olympic medals used in previous Games at the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, Switzerland. Accompanying him are (from right) Sports Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, Singapore's IOC Executive Board member Ng Ser Miang, MCYS Parliamentary Secretary Teo Ser Luck, former IOC president Juan Antonio Samaranch and IOC president Jacques Rogge. -- ST PHOTO: CAROLINE CHIA
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SINGAPORE'S Youth Olympic Games bid will hinge on three factors: good infrastructure, good relations and good support.
The three areas will be looked at closely by the International Olympic Committee, when it decides to which city the inaugural Youth Olympics in 2010 should go to.
As Singapore scores well in all three, the IOC should be confident that the Republic will stage a good Games, says Parliamentary Secretary (Community Development, Youth and Sports) Teo Ser Luck.
Updating the press on Singapore's bid for the Games, Mr Teo said that he was optimistic about Singapore's chances.
He said: 'Having good infrastructure, planning is what Singapore is known for.
'We also have a unique concept of clustering the Games in various parts of the island, in both the heartland and city centre.'
Unlike the Summer Games, where there is a need for large stadiums owing to the large number of athletes, only small-capacity venues are needed for the Youth Olympics.
As such, Singapore's smaller stadiums are enough to accommodate the expected 3,500 athletes.
Added Mr Teo: 'This is one example where size doesn't matter.
'By being small, we get to involve the whole country, without athletes having to travel far away on trains or planes.'
However, having a sound plan is not enough. Having good relationships with the IOC and the various international sporting federations also helps.
Mr Teo observed that the visits by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports Vivian Balakrishnan to the IOC headquarters in Lausanne last week had made an impact.
Said Mr Teo, who also went on the trip: 'It was good for PM Lee and Minister Vivian to visit the IOC, the Olympic Museum and understand the Olympic movement.
'It was useful for us to talk to the IOC about what kind of legacy the Games can leave behind to host cities. I am sure the IOC officials also took away something from our visit.'
The chances will also be helped by Singaporeans in key positions in international sports federations.
For example, SingaporeSailing president Low Teo Ping is also the International Sailing Federation vice-president, while Singapore Hockey Federation president Annabel Pennefather is the International Hockey Federation's vice-president.
As the Youth Olympics will cater to athletes between the age of 14 and 18, several sports may be modified. The duo can help find out how Singapore can help customise their sports in 2010.
Added Mr Teo: 'Support is also important. The Government is backing the bid.
'And our people are also behind us, with overseas students setting up websites to support the effort. It's nice that even the old uncles come up to me during my walkabouts to ask about our chances.'
Singapore will submit its candidature file to the IOC on Oct 26. A shortlist will be released next month before the winning city is announced in February.
marclim@sph.com.sg
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