Vhy oh Vhy?!

As some of u might have already guessed as much. I'm worried for the survival of Singaporeans and the future of my country under the "governance" of the Paps.

Let's see... Here's an article


The YOG and the dreams of Singapore's youth
by Eugene K B Tan 05:55 AM Aug 17, 2010

In The Lights of Singapore, prominent local lawyer Roland Braddell observed of the nascent sporting culture in Singapore in 1934: "I know of no sign that points more to a fine future for this town than the new spirit which athletics have introduced".

Last Saturday, the inaugural Youth Olympics Games (YOG) kicked off with the rousing, grand opening ceremony at the Marina Bay floating platform.

The YOG propels Singapore to centrestage; indeed, the world is in global city Singapore.



By the time the Games conclude, the world and Singaporeans would have been exposed to a continuous parade of young athletes demonstrating attributes such as excellence, vitality, speed, strength, endurance, elegance, coordination, beauty as well as team play and sportsmanship. They will surely evoke expressions of nationalistic pride here and abroad. Cheering on our own athletes on home soil will stir the emotional connection between the average Singaporean, the national athlete and the country.

How many of "our own athletes" are really OUR OWN athletes???

In July, it was reported that the YOG would cost $387 million, more than three times the initial estimate of $104 million. No doubt, this is the most prominent and expensive international event that Singapore has hosted.

Such budgeting should be held accountable! We demand transparency for this amount spent!!!

Cracks me up all the time. Esp the "oh yeah oh yeah oh yeah, HEY!"

Never mind that the YOG still lacks the glam factor and the economic returns are unproven. So, amid the hype, it's pertinent to ask: Why did Singapore commit such a big investment in the YOG?

Iz haz a scared if this really fails. That would be $387millions wasted!!! :'(

The YOG provides an unprecedented platform to signal Singapore's arrival as a global cosmopolitan, dynamic and successful city that is pulsating with ideas, passion and commitment. The YOG provides that crucial stamp of recognition and external validation.

I totally agree but only if the "prudence" of the Paps pays off.

Furthermore, there is deep symbolic meaning at work. Of particular significance is the central narrative of youth and their intimate role in Singapore's destiny.

We do care. So we need CHANGE!

The YOG celebrates Singapore's youths, and their being the harbinger of its future.

This massive effort to showcase the Republic and its youth is also about boldly reinforcing public opinion - particularly among young Singaporeans themselves - that this country is abuzz with dynamism, cosmopolitanism and vibrancy.

Check out the online poll CNA conducted!



Why this outreach to and engagement of our youth? One major impetus is to ensure that young Singaporeans, who are more footloose and accustomed to the good life, are better rooted here even in a globalised world.

With young Singaporeans increasingly mobile and brimming with post-material aspirations, the YOG offers the opportunity to reach out to and cajole young citizens to be part of this world-class endeavour. The YOG provides the segue to capture the imagination of young Singaporeans via the world stage.



LIVE THEIR DREAMS HERE

But it is wholly inadequate for Singapore to be just a place with its "happening" buffet of a colourful night-life, rich cultural offerings and a remade skyline. All global cities can do that and more. Instead, the ultimate message is the subtle: "This is home where you can live your dreams here".

For this to materialise, Singapore youths urgently need to be cognitively and affectively connected to Singapore. They are encouraged to adopt active lifestyles while playing active roles in their communities. One of the multifaceted utility of sports is that it is both an activity and a language that young people can identify with.

Despite Singapore's size and constraints, the YOG can provide it the credentials and bragging rights as a maturing nation-state that is confident of itself and its future - with young Singaporeans spearheading the nation's perpetual transformation.

Add to that the clarion call, targeted at the young, to reconceptualise the mythic and materialistic "Singapore Dream" that is gaining prominence in socio-political discourse here. Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong had asked earlier this month if, "at this stage of Singapore's development, should we still be spinning this dream of 5Cs (cash, credit cards, car, condominium, and country club membership)? Should we not re-think our priorities? Should our young not aim at something different, something more meaningful, a life more fulfilling?"

In essence, the YOG is not just about the YOG only. This showcase and celebration of youth, alongside the narratives of cosmopolitanism, excellence and success, aims to catalyse greater emotional bonding among young Singaporeans towards Singapore.

IMO, Singapore is not ready for this event. The number of local supporters (who are not coerced to being one) is disheartening. The govt needs take a breath, seek out the root of the problem and analyse what's happening internally. All these so-called achievements would mean nothing if most Singaporeans, instead of feeling proud, perceive this exorbitant expense to be a mockery! Why doesn't the govt open their eyes and SEE for themselves. They're not only blind. They're completely deaf (Lim Swee Say) and they choose to be that way. It sickens me.

IZ UNLIKE TO INFINITY.

And the call to live our dreams with Singapore as home must resonate with our youths, if Singapore is to continue to thrive.



The writer is assistant professor of law at the School of Law, Singapore Management University. He was the team manager of Singapore's national swim team at the 2004 Athens Olympics.