YOG is here in Singapore

[SGBoyxxx]

anyone going to see any events?

[EADG]

Hey SGX, long time.

No, no interest, but did get to see the waterfront celebration from a restaurant the first night, was spectacular from where we were.

[ksl]

Been watching it on the box, very impressive! I may just go too see a couple of the events, if they have boxing and athletics

[Strong Eagle]

Virtually every event is sold out for online purchases... walk up only.

I've got tix for canoe/kayak and shooting (what the hey... I'm from Texas).

I think Singapore has done an outstanding job of hosting the very first youth Olympics.

[carlsum1986]

Ever since the YOG started I have heard inifinite complaints about it from the locals...I really think they have a done a great job with the YOG and ppl here should be proud of it..

[Immortal]

They have done a good job. I tried to get tickets to the Swimming on Friday and they're sold out. I have seen many empty seats on tv though. Ugh. I would've loved to see that event, gutted! I was all set to scream my lungs out for the young Viking.

[Asdracles]

The organization work is a good success so far. The impact on the people, a bit over 50% I would say. Still, the "patriotic" feeling is leading the lack of interest in sports.

But after watching a couple of events in a food court surrounded by locals, I still hear lot of comments like "why to play if you can't win", "you should swim faster to win" and comments like this. I know that lot of athletes around the world are having the time of their lifes. I know that the Fiji expedition came here with no hopes of medals but with a huge team to get exposure. But in Singapore, still if you can't win, they don't give you any credit

[nakatago]

But after watching a couple of events in a food court surrounded by locals, I still hear lot of comments like "why to play if you can't win", "you should swim faster to win" and comments like this. I know that lot of athletes around the world are having the time of their lifes. I know that the Fiji expedition came here with no hopes of medals but with a huge team to get exposure. But in Singapore, still if you can't win, they don't give you any credit

All those nay-sayers would a learn a lot from the Jamaica National Bobsled team.

[Asdracles]

I play handball ocasionally, and I know all the drama the Singapore Handball team had to be accept to play in YOG because they were not in the World top10!! If we apply this rule, no more than 10 teams will play any competition! Who will go for the 100m in London 2012 if Bolt/Gay/Powell are running?

I might understand this spirit if the tournament is overseas (we are not going to spend money to send you far away if you are not ready), but when I read about the YOG coming here, I thought it would be the perfect time to introduce high level sports to local kids.

They did a huge work, going to a few competitions themselves, getting a coach, ... and finally they were accepted.

But still, the culture that remains is that winning is everything. Even in kids sports. I played 4 different competitive sports when I was a kid. I didn't excel in any of them, but I learnt a lot in all them. I wouldn't change that experience for being a champion in one of them and missing the other 3.

Well, just my point, I'm doing coaching here, and probably these last experiences taught me more than all conversations with parents and teacher in my 3+ years here

[carteki]

The events seem to be going of well, but not much interest from the general populace I suspect and yes, there is something about holding back tickets. The JB stadium has probably 1/4 of the seats roped off, yet there are people clamouring for tix (just to brag that they had 70%+ of tix sold)
The ticketing process is ABSOLUTELY PAINFUL - this is a 1st world country - what is with HANDWRITING down the details of tickets sold?

[carlsum1986]

But after watching a couple of events in a food court surrounded by locals, I still hear lot of comments like "why to play if you can't win", "you should swim faster to win" and comments like this. I know that lot of athletes around the world are having the time of their lifes. I know that the Fiji expedition came here with no hopes of medals but with a huge team to get exposure. But in Singapore, still if you can't win, they don't give you any credit

All those nay-sayers would a learn a lot from the Jamaica National Bobsled team.

this was made into a movie called cool runnings right?

[Strong Eagle]

Went to the archery competition today. Well organized, quite a lot of fun, about 3/4 full grandstand, and lots of cheering for the Singaporean.

I think Singapore has done a darn good job on this.

[JaanJ]

Folks, your positive comments about YOG are touching. I work for YOG and I know what's like when these international people come up to me and sing praises about Singapore putting up a good show.

I have watched some of the competitions like swimming, wrestling, weightlifting . These young Olympians are awesome, each and every one of them is a star no matter where they are from. Inside the Olympic Village, people come together, friendships are formed. Their energies, their laughters are contagious.

Given only two and half years to prepare, this is one great show I can say I am very proud of.

[Immortal]

I am still hoping tickets will be sold outside the venue. I called and they said that there may be a possibility that there will be some just before the event. Asdracles and JaanJ, do you have a spare ticket for tonights Swimming Finals? I will buy it from you.

[carlsum1986]

how much are the tickets to events?anyone got an average price?All this interest and good comments has got me interested in maybe catching one or two events over the weekend