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-- PHOTO: JOSEPH NAIR FOR THE STRAITS TIMES
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Up to a few days ago, Lee Shie Yar had only heard about Singapore's hosting the inaugural Youth Olympic Games in 2010. She had no idea how she could get involved.
Then the Singapore Polytechnic student was asked by her school to attend a two-day Youth Creative Retreat with YOG organisers.
The 18-year-old is now hopeful that her idea of a photo montage in the form of the five Olympic rings at Changi Airport, to welcome visiting athletes and officials, will be implemented.
'We could get Singaporeans and people from overseas to submit their photos. The montage would be a nice way of welcoming everyone,' she said.
She is also optimistic that organisers will allow her to volunteer in the build-up to the event.
Shie Yar was among the 80 youths who participated in the retreat, which ended yesterday.
Among the schools and institutions represented were Commonwealth Secondary, Raffles Institution, Ngee Ann Polytechnic and Touch Youth Learning Centre.
Other ideas thrown up included having student journalists to cover the sports events for mainstream media and on blogs. Disabled Singaporeans could also be involved in different aspects of the Games.
'This session gave me a chance to express my ideas and play a part in what will be a big thing for Singapore,' said Institute of Technical Education (Tampines) student Muhammad Faris.
The organisers said many of the ideas were feasible and would be integrated into the Singapore Youth Olympic Games Organising Committee's plans.
Youths could also be drafted in to work with the committee.
Said Senior Parliamentary Secretary (Community Development, Youth and Sports) Teo Ser Luck: 'The YOG belongs to the young people and it's wonderful that they want to be part of this once-in-a-lifetime event.'
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