'FOUR million strong' - that is the spirit I felt among the thousands-strong crowd at the Padang on Thursday.

We cheered, partied and cried. Winning the bid is just one half of the accomplishment. The other half was getting Singaporeans together to work towards a common goal.

Congratulations, Singapore!

Khoo Lih-Han

MADNESS, BEAUTIFUL...

IT WAS madness, a wonderful madness of collective triumph. A marvellous, beautiful spectacle.

Venace Goh Hua Wei

MIND YOUR MANNERS

THIS is the best moment to remind our young ones taking part in the Olympics to show their guests that we are a warm, vibrant city.

Don't forget the magic words, 'please' and 'thank you'. There are just two more years to the time when we can show the world what a tiny red dot has dreamt came true.

Visalechimi (Madam)

POTENTIAL PITFALL

CONTRACTORS will need to hire additional foreign labour to ensure that venues and infrastructure will be ready on time.

With less than two years to prepare, the temptation to slacken standards to meet deadlines will be greater. Regardless of how well the Games are prepared and carried out, it will never make up for the shame if any of the labourers involved is subjected to inhumane or unfair treatment.

Chen Junyi

STAY FOCUSED, PLEASE

IN THE midst of our euphoria, it is my wish that Singaporeans will be humbled by our achievement.

Let us make preparations to welcome the athletes from all over the world to compete in the true spirit of the Olympic Games.

Bennie Cheok

YOU BELIEVED, MR NG

GOOD work, Mr Ng Ser Miang, Singapore's member in the International Olympic Council's ruling executive board. You believed that Singapore was capable of holding the Games.

Retnam Thillainathan

FAMILIAR STORY?

IT REMINDS me of a story called 'David and Goliath'. Congratulations Singapore, and thank you, members of the International Olympic Council.

Ace Kindred Cheong Shiang Hoow