The countdown to the 2015 Singapore SEA Games started on Saturday evening, at a launch party held at Gardens by the Bay.

Thousands were at the event, where guest of honour President Tony Tan Keng Yam unveiled the official logo, theme and mascot for the June 5-16 event next year at precisely 8.15pm, or 2015h.

Said Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Lawrence Wong in his address: "There's much to look forward to. Our athletes will compete with the best in the region, and will strive to improve on their performances in Myanmar.

"Many have told me that they are making a special effort for the Games, because they are competing here at home, in front of our home crowd."

The launch party also celebrated the achievements of Team Singapore athletes at the Myanmar SEA Games, Asean Para Games and the recent Special Olympics Asia-Pacific Games.

Added Mr Wong, lauding their feats: "Their personal trials and triumphs moved many Singaporeans. Their achievements filled us with pride. So we salute our athletes."

Singapore is hosting the SEA Games for the first time since 1993. The multi-sport event will take place at the $1.3 billion Sports Hub, which is due for completion this year.

The Asean Para Games, which the Republic is organising for the first time, will be held in December.

The Singapore SEA Games Organising Committee (Singsoc) is targeting about 15,000 volunteers to help run the event. About 5,000 have signed up so far. Interested members of the public can sign up at seagames2015.com/get-involved/be-a-volunteer