12 picked for China camp@Straits Times
IN HIS Winter Olympics dreams, Matthew Mak always saw himself as a figure skater.
The 13-year-old Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) student is now a step closer to realising his dream of representing Singapore on ice - but as a speed skater instead.
He was one of 12 skaters who were selected yesterday to attend an eight-day International Skating Union (ISU) speed skating training camp in Changchun, China, from Sept 18-25.
The selection was made at the end of Singapore's first short track speed skating camp, which began on Sunday and ended last night.
The camp was organised by the Singapore Ice Skating Association (Sisa) and the ISU to identify the first batch of athletes with the potential of representing Singapore in the sport.
More than 80 participants - almost thrice the number that Sisa had expected - turned up on Sunday.
From there, 30 were chosen to stay for the remainder of the camp by coach Yves Nadeau, a renowned speed skating coach who has worked with world and Olympic champions.
Although Sisa had planned to select only the top three men and three women, the ISU decided in the end to extend the quota after being won over by the participants' enthusiasm.
Sisa president Sonja Chong said the additional numbers are a boost to its efforts to develop a Winter Olympian for the 2014 Sochi Games.
'It's an indication of the success of the programme, and hopefully we can build on this momentum,' she said.
Matthew and Co. made the final cut after impressing Nadeau with their ability to learn the various techniques quickly.
'I feel very lucky because I might not have made it if only six were selected,' he said. 'My hope is to qualify for the Winter Youth Olympic Games. That would be a good start. But my dream is to compete in the Winter Games.'
The other Changchun-bound athletes are Deanna See, 15, Anja Chong, 16, Vernetta Fong, 15, Yap Rong Xing, 22, Liang Qi'en, 19, Germaine Lim, 15, Lucas Ng, 21, Bertrand Chew, 19, Lim June Liang, 22, and brothers Kenneth, 17, and Terence Chew, 23.
Two participants - Condrey Liu, 24, and Kevin Tan, 34 - were also selected to attend the developmental camp as coaches. They will be joined by athletes from Malaysia and Thailand.
Deanna, who, like Matthew, has a figure skating background, said: 'It's been a whirlwind few weeks. A month ago, I heard about this camp, and now I'm going for it.'
16 September 2010
15 September 2010
Singapore Sports Council's target in Rio 2016
6 medals in 2016@Straits Times
TWO years after the breakthrough in Beijing, the country's sports authorities are dreaming big - a clutch of medals at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
The Singapore Sports Council (SSC) has set an ambitious target of bringing back six medals of any colour, a notion Senior Parliamentary Secretary (Community Development, Youth and Sports) Teo Ser Luck called 'bold, but achievable'.
The announcement was met by scepticism among some in the sports fraternity, considering that the women table tennis team's silver at the 2008 Beijing Games was the Republic's first Olympic medal in 48 years.
But Bob Gambardella, the SSC's chief of sports development and head of the sports institute, said it is not a target 'pulled out of the sky'.
'We looked at similar-sized countries like New Zealand and Croatia, and used a predictive table that I had from my time at the United States Olympic Committee,' he said at a press conference that was also attended by Mr Teo yesterday.
Both New Zealand and Croatia have won numerous Olympic medals despite having a population similar to Singapore's five million.
At the 2008 Beijing Games, using athletes' past performances, the American predicted 20 medals in the 11 sports under his charge. The eventual haul was 19.
Gambardella, who came to Singapore a year ago after more than a decade holding various positions within the USOC, is eyeing one to two medals at the next Olympics in 2012 in London.
These will likely come from the women paddlers led by Feng Tianwei. Singapore Table Tennis Association president Lee Bee Wah had previously targeted two medals for 2012, and another two at the following Olympics.
'It's ambitious but funding is the most crucial element, we'll need at least a million dollars more,' she said yesterday. Her association was allocated over $1.5 million in government grants for the financial year 2010.
The Olympic medal burden is also expected to be shouldered by athletes from shooting (such as Jasmine Ser), sailing (Darren Choy) and swimming (Tao Li, Quah Ting Wen and Rainer Ng).
Part of the optimism among sports officials in setting the six-medal target stems from Singapore's two silvers and four bronzes at last month's Youth Olympic Games.
Members of Parliament have also tabled questions for today's sitting on what will be done to groom YOG athletes for further success.
The Straits Times understands that sports administrators have drawn up a preliminary shortlist of 15 of them, earmarking them as having strong potential to win at the highest levels, including the 2016 Olympics.
They include Darren, and YOG silver medallists Isabelle Li (table tennis) and Rainer. All are aged between 14 and 18.
Still, except for the women paddlers who upset China to take the world championship crown in May, the other three sports have not proven themselves at the Olympic level.
But SSC chief executive officer Oon Jin Teik said in response to potential detractors: 'It's high time we stopped saying that we're going to major Games just for the experience.
'If we keep doing that, then the question is when are the athletes ready to win?'
The former swimmer, who competed in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, pointed to Singapore's record medal hauls at recent multi-sport events - the 2005 Manila South-east Asia Games (except as hosts) and 2006 Doha Asian Games.
'Our athletes have shown that they can compete at not just the regional level, but on the global stage,' Oon added.
The new Sports Institute to be set up at the Sports Hub and ready in four years' time will be crucial to the 2016 plan.
It will provide sports science, sports medicine and other forms of support, following loosely models of similar facilities in Australia, the United States and Japan.
'To borrow a phrase from (former sailing president) Low Teo Ping, the pipeline is our lifeline,' said Oon.
On winning a medal in the pool in 2016, former Olympian and swim coach David Lim said: 'It's going to be twice as tough as in the YOG. The field is so much stronger at the Summer Olympics.
'Setting targets is fine, but from now until 2016, the authorities need to do everything in their power to prepare these athletes.'
TWO years after the breakthrough in Beijing, the country's sports authorities are dreaming big - a clutch of medals at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
The Singapore Sports Council (SSC) has set an ambitious target of bringing back six medals of any colour, a notion Senior Parliamentary Secretary (Community Development, Youth and Sports) Teo Ser Luck called 'bold, but achievable'.
The announcement was met by scepticism among some in the sports fraternity, considering that the women table tennis team's silver at the 2008 Beijing Games was the Republic's first Olympic medal in 48 years.
But Bob Gambardella, the SSC's chief of sports development and head of the sports institute, said it is not a target 'pulled out of the sky'.
'We looked at similar-sized countries like New Zealand and Croatia, and used a predictive table that I had from my time at the United States Olympic Committee,' he said at a press conference that was also attended by Mr Teo yesterday.
Both New Zealand and Croatia have won numerous Olympic medals despite having a population similar to Singapore's five million.
At the 2008 Beijing Games, using athletes' past performances, the American predicted 20 medals in the 11 sports under his charge. The eventual haul was 19.
Gambardella, who came to Singapore a year ago after more than a decade holding various positions within the USOC, is eyeing one to two medals at the next Olympics in 2012 in London.
These will likely come from the women paddlers led by Feng Tianwei. Singapore Table Tennis Association president Lee Bee Wah had previously targeted two medals for 2012, and another two at the following Olympics.
'It's ambitious but funding is the most crucial element, we'll need at least a million dollars more,' she said yesterday. Her association was allocated over $1.5 million in government grants for the financial year 2010.
The Olympic medal burden is also expected to be shouldered by athletes from shooting (such as Jasmine Ser), sailing (Darren Choy) and swimming (Tao Li, Quah Ting Wen and Rainer Ng).
Part of the optimism among sports officials in setting the six-medal target stems from Singapore's two silvers and four bronzes at last month's Youth Olympic Games.
Members of Parliament have also tabled questions for today's sitting on what will be done to groom YOG athletes for further success.
The Straits Times understands that sports administrators have drawn up a preliminary shortlist of 15 of them, earmarking them as having strong potential to win at the highest levels, including the 2016 Olympics.
They include Darren, and YOG silver medallists Isabelle Li (table tennis) and Rainer. All are aged between 14 and 18.
Still, except for the women paddlers who upset China to take the world championship crown in May, the other three sports have not proven themselves at the Olympic level.
But SSC chief executive officer Oon Jin Teik said in response to potential detractors: 'It's high time we stopped saying that we're going to major Games just for the experience.
'If we keep doing that, then the question is when are the athletes ready to win?'
The former swimmer, who competed in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, pointed to Singapore's record medal hauls at recent multi-sport events - the 2005 Manila South-east Asia Games (except as hosts) and 2006 Doha Asian Games.
'Our athletes have shown that they can compete at not just the regional level, but on the global stage,' Oon added.
The new Sports Institute to be set up at the Sports Hub and ready in four years' time will be crucial to the 2016 plan.
It will provide sports science, sports medicine and other forms of support, following loosely models of similar facilities in Australia, the United States and Japan.
'To borrow a phrase from (former sailing president) Low Teo Ping, the pipeline is our lifeline,' said Oon.
On winning a medal in the pool in 2016, former Olympian and swim coach David Lim said: 'It's going to be twice as tough as in the YOG. The field is so much stronger at the Summer Olympics.
'Setting targets is fine, but from now until 2016, the authorities need to do everything in their power to prepare these athletes.'
Singapore Sports Hub watersports centre
Sports Hub - A watersports centre for all@CNA
SINGAPORE : One of its main attractions was supposed to be a white-water rafting course but, as plans developed, the consortium awarded the tender to build and operate Singapore's new Sports Hub decided the proposed watersports centre at Kallang would do without it, at least initially.
The plan is to build the white-water rafting course a few years after the Sports Hub opens its doors in April 2014 by tapping on the Premier Park Foundation.
The foundation reinvests a portion of the revenue generated by the Sports Hub on future events, activities and facilities.
When it opens in 2014, the watersports centre will boast a 500m race course, warm-up and open areas for competitors and officials, indoor and outdoor storage facilities and training and boat-washing amenities for canoeing, kayaking, dragon-boating and rowing.
Besides targeting world-class competitive events, the centre will be open to the public, who will be able to use and enjoy a family-friendly facility.
"The Singapore Sports Hub is a manifestation of Singapore's sporting vision - the creation of a truly sustainable, fully integrated, premier land and sea sports, entertainment and lifestyle hub," said SportsHub Pte Ltd's Eugene De Rozario.
The watersports centre is part of a 35-ha site at Kallang which includes the current National Stadium, and the whole area will be transformed in four years' time.
The Sports Hub will include a new stadium with a 55,000-capacity and a retractable roof, a 6,000-capacity indoor aquatics arena, a multi-purpose indoor arena that can seat 3,000, a sports institute and 41,000 square metres of business, commercial and retail space.
The project was re-started late last-month after a two-year delay due to the global financial crisis.
Dismantling work on the 37-year-old National Stadium has already begun, with wrecking balls expected to move in next month.
The adjacent 12,000-seater Singapore Indoor Stadium, which opened in 1989, will also undergo refurbishment work.
Among the other facilities at the watersports centre site at Kallang Basin will be a visitor centre with reception counters, seating and information areas and commercial space with food and beverage outlets.
It will also feature a sheltered viewing gallery located within the building, providing a panoramic view of the waterway.
Dr Shaun Ho, team manager of Singapore's canoeing team at last month's Youth Olympic Games, believes the watersports centre will be the "final piece in the jigsaw".
"It's just fantastic that we'd soon have a world-class watersports centre," said Dr Ho, 30, a public officer at Republic Polytechnic. "It's been a long time coming, especially as Singapore has always been an ideal location to host world-class events. And it would be great if there were spectator stands, too."
National sailor Natasha Yokoyama, 16, who competed in the Byte CII girls event at the Youth Olympics, added: "It would be good if the watersports centre also had instructors there to guide users, because safety is most important when you do watersports."
Discussions are underway to secure top-class sporting events, including watersports events, at the Sports Hub, as part of the contractual agreement with the Singapore Sports Council to design, build, finance and operate the facility on a 25-year lease in the world's largest private-public partnership.
"There are definitely plans to stage world-class events," said De Rozario. "These are all still being discussed and will take some time before they are entered into the calendar."
SINGAPORE : One of its main attractions was supposed to be a white-water rafting course but, as plans developed, the consortium awarded the tender to build and operate Singapore's new Sports Hub decided the proposed watersports centre at Kallang would do without it, at least initially.
The plan is to build the white-water rafting course a few years after the Sports Hub opens its doors in April 2014 by tapping on the Premier Park Foundation.
The foundation reinvests a portion of the revenue generated by the Sports Hub on future events, activities and facilities.
When it opens in 2014, the watersports centre will boast a 500m race course, warm-up and open areas for competitors and officials, indoor and outdoor storage facilities and training and boat-washing amenities for canoeing, kayaking, dragon-boating and rowing.
Besides targeting world-class competitive events, the centre will be open to the public, who will be able to use and enjoy a family-friendly facility.
"The Singapore Sports Hub is a manifestation of Singapore's sporting vision - the creation of a truly sustainable, fully integrated, premier land and sea sports, entertainment and lifestyle hub," said SportsHub Pte Ltd's Eugene De Rozario.
The watersports centre is part of a 35-ha site at Kallang which includes the current National Stadium, and the whole area will be transformed in four years' time.
The Sports Hub will include a new stadium with a 55,000-capacity and a retractable roof, a 6,000-capacity indoor aquatics arena, a multi-purpose indoor arena that can seat 3,000, a sports institute and 41,000 square metres of business, commercial and retail space.
The project was re-started late last-month after a two-year delay due to the global financial crisis.
Dismantling work on the 37-year-old National Stadium has already begun, with wrecking balls expected to move in next month.
The adjacent 12,000-seater Singapore Indoor Stadium, which opened in 1989, will also undergo refurbishment work.
Among the other facilities at the watersports centre site at Kallang Basin will be a visitor centre with reception counters, seating and information areas and commercial space with food and beverage outlets.
It will also feature a sheltered viewing gallery located within the building, providing a panoramic view of the waterway.
Dr Shaun Ho, team manager of Singapore's canoeing team at last month's Youth Olympic Games, believes the watersports centre will be the "final piece in the jigsaw".
"It's just fantastic that we'd soon have a world-class watersports centre," said Dr Ho, 30, a public officer at Republic Polytechnic. "It's been a long time coming, especially as Singapore has always been an ideal location to host world-class events. And it would be great if there were spectator stands, too."
National sailor Natasha Yokoyama, 16, who competed in the Byte CII girls event at the Youth Olympics, added: "It would be good if the watersports centre also had instructors there to guide users, because safety is most important when you do watersports."
Discussions are underway to secure top-class sporting events, including watersports events, at the Sports Hub, as part of the contractual agreement with the Singapore Sports Council to design, build, finance and operate the facility on a 25-year lease in the world's largest private-public partnership.
"There are definitely plans to stage world-class events," said De Rozario. "These are all still being discussed and will take some time before they are entered into the calendar."
14 September 2010
Australia high performance funding
Athletes big winners in new high performance funding@ASC
The Australian Sports Commission (ASC) Board today announced the allocation to national sporting organisations (NSO) of $23.2 million in new high performance sport funding.
‘This extra funding is part of the largest package ever allocated to Australian sport,’ the Chair of the ASC Board the Hon Warwick Smith AM said today.
Mr Smith welcomed the support of both sides of politics for this allocation of high performance funding immediately, to meet the needs of sports.
As part of the Australian sport reform package Australian Sport: The Pathway to Success, the Government tasked the ASC with implementing the new direction and distribution of funding.
The new high performance funding injections range from $200,000 to $3 million per annum, benefiting 25 Olympic, Paralympic and non-Olympic Australian sporting bodies.
Swimming Australia and the Australian Paralympic Committee received the highest allocations of $3 million each which will help spearhead Australian elite sport through to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Sochi 2014 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and beyond.
All NSOs were encouraged to bid for the new high performance funding to drive Australia’s continued sporting success.
In order to determine how best to invest the additional high performance funding the ASC developed an improved assessment framework based on the existing ‘Excellence, Relevance and Effectiveness’ criteria utilised by the Commission during previous funding deliberations.
Consistent with the focus on a more collaborative and effective sport system, the ASC consulted with State and Territory Institutes and Academies of Sport and State and Territory Departments of Sport and Recreation, in relation to the assessment criteria prior to making any decisions.
The additional high performance funding has been made to sports seen to demonstrate an ability to deliver successful outcomes in line with the Government’s new direction for sport.
This funding is in addition to the current baseline high performance funding NSO’s will continue to receive.
‘We believe that this high performance funding will provide exciting new opportunities for Australian sporting organisations and the elite athletes that all Australians are so proud of,’ Mr Smith said.
The Australian Sports Commission (ASC) Board today announced the allocation to national sporting organisations (NSO) of $23.2 million in new high performance sport funding.
‘This extra funding is part of the largest package ever allocated to Australian sport,’ the Chair of the ASC Board the Hon Warwick Smith AM said today.
Mr Smith welcomed the support of both sides of politics for this allocation of high performance funding immediately, to meet the needs of sports.
As part of the Australian sport reform package Australian Sport: The Pathway to Success, the Government tasked the ASC with implementing the new direction and distribution of funding.
The new high performance funding injections range from $200,000 to $3 million per annum, benefiting 25 Olympic, Paralympic and non-Olympic Australian sporting bodies.
Swimming Australia and the Australian Paralympic Committee received the highest allocations of $3 million each which will help spearhead Australian elite sport through to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Sochi 2014 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and beyond.
All NSOs were encouraged to bid for the new high performance funding to drive Australia’s continued sporting success.
In order to determine how best to invest the additional high performance funding the ASC developed an improved assessment framework based on the existing ‘Excellence, Relevance and Effectiveness’ criteria utilised by the Commission during previous funding deliberations.
Consistent with the focus on a more collaborative and effective sport system, the ASC consulted with State and Territory Institutes and Academies of Sport and State and Territory Departments of Sport and Recreation, in relation to the assessment criteria prior to making any decisions.
The additional high performance funding has been made to sports seen to demonstrate an ability to deliver successful outcomes in line with the Government’s new direction for sport.
This funding is in addition to the current baseline high performance funding NSO’s will continue to receive.
‘We believe that this high performance funding will provide exciting new opportunities for Australian sporting organisations and the elite athletes that all Australians are so proud of,’ Mr Smith said.
AIS high performance sports programs in 2011
AIS high performance sports programs confirmed for 2011@ASC
The Australian Sports Commission (ASC) has announced that the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) will move to support 35 high performance sport programs across 26 sports from 2011 in an effort to ensure the Institute continues to operate as a world class sports training facility.
Like all organisations, the AIS has had to find productivity improvements to sustain its performance and capacity to strategically support high performance sport in Australia.
Recognising the continuing annual rise in costs to deliver and support these programs, the AIS cannot continue to support the current number of programs whilst also maintaining the integrity of the AIS in line with its aspiration to be the world’s best sports institute producing champions for Australia.
In consideration of this, from 2011, the AIS will not deliver high performance programs for three of its current sport programs – archery, boxing and golf - at the conclusion of their respective scholarship periods.
This decision also allows the AIS to maximise Government investment in high performance sport by ensuring the Institute better aligns with the priority high performance sports identified earlier this year by the joint Australian Sports Commission/State and Territory Institutes and Academies of Sport National Assessment Process.
The AIS has informed the national sporting bodies affected by this decision and will work closely with athletes, coaches and staff currently involved in these programs.
Those athletes affected will continue to receive AIS support services in accordance with the AIS Athlete Transition Policy once their programs conclude.
The ASC has allocated extra high performance funding to archery, boxing and golf to support their programs outside of the AIS.
This allocation of extra funding to these sports will allow the sports to run their own high performance programs to best fit their individual needs.
From 2011 the AIS will also remodel the AIS Gymnastics program from a residential to a camps-based program. This shift supports the new high performance plan developed by Gymnastics Australia.
The Australian Sports Commission (ASC) has announced that the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) will move to support 35 high performance sport programs across 26 sports from 2011 in an effort to ensure the Institute continues to operate as a world class sports training facility.
Like all organisations, the AIS has had to find productivity improvements to sustain its performance and capacity to strategically support high performance sport in Australia.
Recognising the continuing annual rise in costs to deliver and support these programs, the AIS cannot continue to support the current number of programs whilst also maintaining the integrity of the AIS in line with its aspiration to be the world’s best sports institute producing champions for Australia.
In consideration of this, from 2011, the AIS will not deliver high performance programs for three of its current sport programs – archery, boxing and golf - at the conclusion of their respective scholarship periods.
This decision also allows the AIS to maximise Government investment in high performance sport by ensuring the Institute better aligns with the priority high performance sports identified earlier this year by the joint Australian Sports Commission/State and Territory Institutes and Academies of Sport National Assessment Process.
The AIS has informed the national sporting bodies affected by this decision and will work closely with athletes, coaches and staff currently involved in these programs.
Those athletes affected will continue to receive AIS support services in accordance with the AIS Athlete Transition Policy once their programs conclude.
The ASC has allocated extra high performance funding to archery, boxing and golf to support their programs outside of the AIS.
This allocation of extra funding to these sports will allow the sports to run their own high performance programs to best fit their individual needs.
From 2011 the AIS will also remodel the AIS Gymnastics program from a residential to a camps-based program. This shift supports the new high performance plan developed by Gymnastics Australia.
26 August 2010
Singapore Sports Hub to open by April 2014
Sports Hub to open by April 2014@CNA
SINGAPORE: After being stalled for nearly two years due to the global financial downturn, the Sports Hub project will finally kick into gear.
On Wednesday, the Singapore Sports Council (SSC) signed the contract with the Singapore Sports Hub Consortium to design, build, finance and operate the Sports Hub for the next 25 years on a 35-hectare site in Kallang.
Demolition of the National Stadium, which sits on the site, will begin in October, and the new facility will open its doors by April 2014.
The final construction cost is estimated to be $1.33 billion - which the Government will pay in annual payments.
No financing details were available following the midnight announcement.
"I am glad that we are ready to start construction of the Singapore Sports Hub," said Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports, in a statement.
"It will be a fully integrated sports, leisure, entertainment and lifestyle hub for world-class events and community activities. The facilities will be accessible to the public and to top athletes to train and compete in. As part of the Greater Marina Bay masterplan, the Singapore Sports Hub will also contribute to the larger Government objective of re-positioning Singapore as a great place to work, live and play," he said.
When completed, the Sports Hub will include a 55,000-seat National Stadium with a retractable roof, a 6,000-seat indoor aquatics arena, about 41,000 square metres of business, commercial and retail space, and a sports institute.
Two new features of the Sports Hub are a bowl-cooling system and retractable seats for the main stadium.
The bowl cooling system features blowing treated air from chillers through holes in the tier below each seat.
There will also be a sports library and sports museum, as well as other amenities including a volleyball court, rock-climbing wall, hard courts, a skate park and state-of-the-art training and sports recovery facilities, among others.
The Sports Hub will also strive to attract live entertainment events, conventions and exhibitions, while 80 corporate boxes will be available for lease during major sporting events.
The deal between the Singapore Government and the consortium is the largest sports infrastructure public-private-partnership project in the world.
Sports Hub deal sealed@Straits Times
PEN was put to paper yesterday on the contract that will pave the way for the construction of the Sports Hub.
Demolition of the National Stadium will begin by October, with the new 35ha facility catering to both sports and non-sports enthusiasts to open its doors by April 2014, the Singapore Sports Council said in a press statement early this morning.
The centrepiece remains a new 55,000-seater stadium with a retractable roof, with other highlights including a 6,000-capacity indoor Aquatic Centre, a water sports centre, and 41,000 sq m of commercial space.
But several features not in the initial proposal by a private consortium tasked to build the world-class project have been added. They include a beach volleyball court and rock climbing wall.
The construction cost is $1.33 billion. This does not include the costs of operating the facility.
Under the agreed public-private-partnership (PPP) scheme, the winning consortium Singapore Sports Hub Consortium (SSHC) will bear the cost of constructing and operating the Sports Hub. The Government will, however, make an annual payment to SSHC over 25 years.
The new cost announced is higher than the $1.2 billion estimated in 2008.
'I am glad that we are ready to start construction of the Singapore Sports Hub,' the statement quoted Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports Vivian Balakrishnan as saying.
'It will be a fully integrated sports, leisure, entertainment and lifestyle hub for world class events and community activities.
'As part of the Greater Marina Bay masterplan, the Singapore Sports Hub will also contribute to the larger government objective of repositioning Singapore as a great place to work, live and play,' he added.
Since its announcement, the Sports Hub has been dogged by repeated delays and been a magnet for criticism. Its completion date was pushed back from this year to next year, 2012 and then 2013.
After the SSHC beat two other groups to be named the project's preferred bidder in January 2008, it struggled to raise financing for construction to begin due to the recession.
Mr Ludwig Reichhold, the managing director of Dragages Singapore which heads the SSHC, said: 'We are ready to go full swing.'
Other members of the consortium include United Premas, a facilities management company, and events management firm World Sport Group.
It is understood that while $1.87 billion was the initial cost to the Government over the 25-year period for the contract with the SSHC, this figure will now change as there have been tweaks to the financing terms.
Under the PPP scheme, SSHC is in charge of designing, financing, building and operating the hub.
Events such as the Asean Football League and Twenty20 cricket matches are among the high-profile events being planned to ensure it remains a vibrant year-round destination.
Singapore Rugby Union president Low Teo Ping, who had been among those eagerly awaiting the hub's completion, said: 'Now we can try to bid to get the highly successful Rugby 7s series back.
'With the sport making its debut at the 2016 Olympics, we could see qualifying matches for the Rio Games played here too from 2014 onwards.'
The Sports Hub's completion will also allow the Republic to host a major Games like the South-east Asia Games.
It had given up hosting rights for the 2013 edition as the Hub could not be completed in time. Cambodia are the front runners for the 2015 SEA Games, though no country has been picked yet.
SINGAPORE: After being stalled for nearly two years due to the global financial downturn, the Sports Hub project will finally kick into gear.
On Wednesday, the Singapore Sports Council (SSC) signed the contract with the Singapore Sports Hub Consortium to design, build, finance and operate the Sports Hub for the next 25 years on a 35-hectare site in Kallang.
Demolition of the National Stadium, which sits on the site, will begin in October, and the new facility will open its doors by April 2014.
The final construction cost is estimated to be $1.33 billion - which the Government will pay in annual payments.
No financing details were available following the midnight announcement.
"I am glad that we are ready to start construction of the Singapore Sports Hub," said Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports, in a statement.
"It will be a fully integrated sports, leisure, entertainment and lifestyle hub for world-class events and community activities. The facilities will be accessible to the public and to top athletes to train and compete in. As part of the Greater Marina Bay masterplan, the Singapore Sports Hub will also contribute to the larger Government objective of re-positioning Singapore as a great place to work, live and play," he said.
When completed, the Sports Hub will include a 55,000-seat National Stadium with a retractable roof, a 6,000-seat indoor aquatics arena, about 41,000 square metres of business, commercial and retail space, and a sports institute.
Two new features of the Sports Hub are a bowl-cooling system and retractable seats for the main stadium.
The bowl cooling system features blowing treated air from chillers through holes in the tier below each seat.
There will also be a sports library and sports museum, as well as other amenities including a volleyball court, rock-climbing wall, hard courts, a skate park and state-of-the-art training and sports recovery facilities, among others.
The Sports Hub will also strive to attract live entertainment events, conventions and exhibitions, while 80 corporate boxes will be available for lease during major sporting events.
The deal between the Singapore Government and the consortium is the largest sports infrastructure public-private-partnership project in the world.
Sports Hub deal sealed@Straits Times
PEN was put to paper yesterday on the contract that will pave the way for the construction of the Sports Hub.
Demolition of the National Stadium will begin by October, with the new 35ha facility catering to both sports and non-sports enthusiasts to open its doors by April 2014, the Singapore Sports Council said in a press statement early this morning.
The centrepiece remains a new 55,000-seater stadium with a retractable roof, with other highlights including a 6,000-capacity indoor Aquatic Centre, a water sports centre, and 41,000 sq m of commercial space.
But several features not in the initial proposal by a private consortium tasked to build the world-class project have been added. They include a beach volleyball court and rock climbing wall.
The construction cost is $1.33 billion. This does not include the costs of operating the facility.
Under the agreed public-private-partnership (PPP) scheme, the winning consortium Singapore Sports Hub Consortium (SSHC) will bear the cost of constructing and operating the Sports Hub. The Government will, however, make an annual payment to SSHC over 25 years.
The new cost announced is higher than the $1.2 billion estimated in 2008.
'I am glad that we are ready to start construction of the Singapore Sports Hub,' the statement quoted Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports Vivian Balakrishnan as saying.
'It will be a fully integrated sports, leisure, entertainment and lifestyle hub for world class events and community activities.
'As part of the Greater Marina Bay masterplan, the Singapore Sports Hub will also contribute to the larger government objective of repositioning Singapore as a great place to work, live and play,' he added.
Since its announcement, the Sports Hub has been dogged by repeated delays and been a magnet for criticism. Its completion date was pushed back from this year to next year, 2012 and then 2013.
After the SSHC beat two other groups to be named the project's preferred bidder in January 2008, it struggled to raise financing for construction to begin due to the recession.
Mr Ludwig Reichhold, the managing director of Dragages Singapore which heads the SSHC, said: 'We are ready to go full swing.'
Other members of the consortium include United Premas, a facilities management company, and events management firm World Sport Group.
It is understood that while $1.87 billion was the initial cost to the Government over the 25-year period for the contract with the SSHC, this figure will now change as there have been tweaks to the financing terms.
Under the PPP scheme, SSHC is in charge of designing, financing, building and operating the hub.
Events such as the Asean Football League and Twenty20 cricket matches are among the high-profile events being planned to ensure it remains a vibrant year-round destination.
Singapore Rugby Union president Low Teo Ping, who had been among those eagerly awaiting the hub's completion, said: 'Now we can try to bid to get the highly successful Rugby 7s series back.
'With the sport making its debut at the 2016 Olympics, we could see qualifying matches for the Rio Games played here too from 2014 onwards.'
The Sports Hub's completion will also allow the Republic to host a major Games like the South-east Asia Games.
It had given up hosting rights for the 2013 edition as the Hub could not be completed in time. Cambodia are the front runners for the 2015 SEA Games, though no country has been picked yet.
20 August 2010
MOU between JOC and SNOC
S'pore-Japan sports exchange@Staits Times
SINGAPORE athletes and coaches can look forward to exchange programmes in Japan over the next four years, after the signing of an agreement between the two countries' National Olympic Committees yesterday.
Deputy Prime Minister and Singapore National Olympic Council (SNOC) president Teo Chee Hean and Japanese Olympic Committee president Tsunekazu Takeda signed the document in a ceremony at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel yesterday.
Mr Teo noted that Japan has achieved numerous sporting successes, and has also organised international meets.
'Japan is one of the powerhouses in sports and in Asia as well,' he said.
Japan has won Olympic medals in a diversity of sports, including judo, gymnastics, wrestling, swimming, athletics and volleyball.
Mr Teo added in his speech: 'There's much that we can learn from you; our national sports federations can learn from your national sports federations.
'Our SNOC can learn from you in a variety of ways, in terms of preparation for Games, training and helping our athletes compete, and even in terms of administration and marketing.'
The partnership covers sharing of information, promoting athlete, official and coach exchanges, and exchange of sports science and anti-doping activities.
The recently completed National Training Centre in Tokyo will host Singaporeans once individual national sports associations firm up their plans on who to send.
Mr Takeda said he hopes his athletes can learn from Singapore's sailors and table tennis players, who have achieved global success in recent years.
Meanwhile, Mr Teo said he was delighted with several aspects of the ongoing Youth Olympic Games, including the volunteers' efforts and Singapore athletes' performances.
The Republic has two bronzes (taekwondo), one mixed-team bronze (archery) and one silver (swimming) so far.
'Quite frankly, we were not quite sure what to expect and they have exceeded our expectations,' he said.
SINGAPORE athletes and coaches can look forward to exchange programmes in Japan over the next four years, after the signing of an agreement between the two countries' National Olympic Committees yesterday.
Deputy Prime Minister and Singapore National Olympic Council (SNOC) president Teo Chee Hean and Japanese Olympic Committee president Tsunekazu Takeda signed the document in a ceremony at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel yesterday.
Mr Teo noted that Japan has achieved numerous sporting successes, and has also organised international meets.
'Japan is one of the powerhouses in sports and in Asia as well,' he said.
Japan has won Olympic medals in a diversity of sports, including judo, gymnastics, wrestling, swimming, athletics and volleyball.
Mr Teo added in his speech: 'There's much that we can learn from you; our national sports federations can learn from your national sports federations.
'Our SNOC can learn from you in a variety of ways, in terms of preparation for Games, training and helping our athletes compete, and even in terms of administration and marketing.'
The partnership covers sharing of information, promoting athlete, official and coach exchanges, and exchange of sports science and anti-doping activities.
The recently completed National Training Centre in Tokyo will host Singaporeans once individual national sports associations firm up their plans on who to send.
Mr Takeda said he hopes his athletes can learn from Singapore's sailors and table tennis players, who have achieved global success in recent years.
Meanwhile, Mr Teo said he was delighted with several aspects of the ongoing Youth Olympic Games, including the volunteers' efforts and Singapore athletes' performances.
The Republic has two bronzes (taekwondo), one mixed-team bronze (archery) and one silver (swimming) so far.
'Quite frankly, we were not quite sure what to expect and they have exceeded our expectations,' he said.
19 August 2010
IOC’s social networking
Join the Olympic Social Media Club!@IOC
Today’s young people have never known life without the internet. They have grown up with a mouse in their hands and the world wide web at their fingertips. In fact, the internet has become such a huge part of their everyday lives that recent figures indicated that the average teen spends as much as 31 hours per week online. It’s little wonder that the IOC is using digital media more and more as a way to engage with young people and encourage them to be more active when it comes to the Youth Olympic Games (YOG).
Indeed, with over 1.7 million young fans on the IOC’s social-networking site Facebook, and thousands more followers on micro-blogging site Twitter, the Olympic Games has already taken the social media world by storm – and now the Youth Olympic Games is doing the same.
Today’s young people have never known life without the internet. They have grown up with a mouse in their hands and the world wide web at their fingertips. In fact, the internet has become such a huge part of their everyday lives that recent figures indicated that the average teen spends as much as 31 hours per week online. It’s little wonder that the IOC is using digital media more and more as a way to engage with young people and encourage them to be more active when it comes to the Youth Olympic Games (YOG).
Indeed, with over 1.7 million young fans on the IOC’s social-networking site Facebook, and thousands more followers on micro-blogging site Twitter, the Olympic Games has already taken the social media world by storm – and now the Youth Olympic Games is doing the same.
13 August 2010
Singapore Youth Olympic Scholarships awarded
Six young athletes awarded first Singapore Youth Olympic Scholarships « Red Sports. Always Game@YOG2010
Singapore’s Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew presented the first Youth Olympic Games Scholarships today as a legacy of the first-ever Youth Olympic Games, and as part of the country’s commitment to the Olympic Movement.
The scholarships aim to seed the pursuit of excellence and the forging of friendships. Six fully-funded scholarships to the Singapore Sports School were presented to students from Botswana, Guyana1, Malaysia, Peru, Singapore and Thailand.
The scholarship recipients are: Ebineng Seabe Beryl (Botswana, swimming), Jevina Raydon Sampson (Guyana, Athletics), Angeline Tang An Qi (Malaysia, table tennis), Nieto Herrera Janina Sofia (Peru, table tennis), Ang Wan Qi (Singapore, table tennis), and Phiangkhwan Pawapotako (Thailand, swimming). Please see Annex for details.
“Singapore is a small open and cosmopolitan city with no natural resources. The key determinant of our future is our people – in particular, our young people. This is why we invest so heavily in education, transmitting values that have stood the test of time, enabling our young people to reach across cultural boundaries and equipping them to seize opportunities in a rapidly changing world. These Scholarships represent our commitment to share these opportunities with top talented students from the Olympic Movement,” said Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports.
“Singaporean youth will benefit from a more diverse classroom environment and increased opportunities to learn from their new international schoolmates, reinforcing the Olympic values of Excellence, Friendship and Respect,” he added.
Some 30 National Olympic Committees submitted a total of 54 applications for the scholarships between February and April 2010. In May and June, short-listed candidates were invited to Singapore for interviews, and recipients were informed of their selection in July.
The scholarships are funded by the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports, with operational support from the Singapore Sports School, the Singapore National Olympic Council, the Olympic Solidarity and the Singapore Youth Olympic Games Organising Committee.
About Singapore 2010 – Blazing the Trail
Singapore is hosting the inaugural Youth Olympic Games (YOG) from 14 to 26 August 2010. The Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games will receive some 5,000 athletes and officials from the 204 National Olympic Committees (NOCs), along with estimated 1,900 media representatives, 20,000 local and international volunteers, and 320,000 spectators. Young athletes - aged between 14 and 18 years - will compete in 26 sports and take part in a Culture and Education Programme.
The Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games aims to inspire youth around the world to embrace, embody and express the Olympic values of Excellence, Friendship and Respect. It will create a lasting sports, culture and education legacy for Singapore and youth from around the world, as well as enhance and elevate the sporting culture locally and regionally.
For more information, please visit www.singapore2010.sg
Singapore’s Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew presented the first Youth Olympic Games Scholarships today as a legacy of the first-ever Youth Olympic Games, and as part of the country’s commitment to the Olympic Movement.
The scholarships aim to seed the pursuit of excellence and the forging of friendships. Six fully-funded scholarships to the Singapore Sports School were presented to students from Botswana, Guyana1, Malaysia, Peru, Singapore and Thailand.
The scholarship recipients are: Ebineng Seabe Beryl (Botswana, swimming), Jevina Raydon Sampson (Guyana, Athletics), Angeline Tang An Qi (Malaysia, table tennis), Nieto Herrera Janina Sofia (Peru, table tennis), Ang Wan Qi (Singapore, table tennis), and Phiangkhwan Pawapotako (Thailand, swimming). Please see Annex for details.
“Singapore is a small open and cosmopolitan city with no natural resources. The key determinant of our future is our people – in particular, our young people. This is why we invest so heavily in education, transmitting values that have stood the test of time, enabling our young people to reach across cultural boundaries and equipping them to seize opportunities in a rapidly changing world. These Scholarships represent our commitment to share these opportunities with top talented students from the Olympic Movement,” said Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports.
“Singaporean youth will benefit from a more diverse classroom environment and increased opportunities to learn from their new international schoolmates, reinforcing the Olympic values of Excellence, Friendship and Respect,” he added.
Some 30 National Olympic Committees submitted a total of 54 applications for the scholarships between February and April 2010. In May and June, short-listed candidates were invited to Singapore for interviews, and recipients were informed of their selection in July.
The scholarships are funded by the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports, with operational support from the Singapore Sports School, the Singapore National Olympic Council, the Olympic Solidarity and the Singapore Youth Olympic Games Organising Committee.
About Singapore 2010 – Blazing the Trail
Singapore is hosting the inaugural Youth Olympic Games (YOG) from 14 to 26 August 2010. The Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games will receive some 5,000 athletes and officials from the 204 National Olympic Committees (NOCs), along with estimated 1,900 media representatives, 20,000 local and international volunteers, and 320,000 spectators. Young athletes - aged between 14 and 18 years - will compete in 26 sports and take part in a Culture and Education Programme.
The Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games aims to inspire youth around the world to embrace, embody and express the Olympic values of Excellence, Friendship and Respect. It will create a lasting sports, culture and education legacy for Singapore and youth from around the world, as well as enhance and elevate the sporting culture locally and regionally.
For more information, please visit www.singapore2010.sg
03 August 2010
Youth Olympic Village is ready
Youth Olympic Village ready for YOG athletes and officials@CNA
SINGAPORE: With about two weeks to the official August 10 opening of the Youth Olympic Village at the campus of Nanyang Technological University, organisers say they are ready to welcome the athletes and officials.
The Village Square is where the athletes and officials will rest and relax, and it'll be filled with activities that will leave a lasting impression.
Director of the Culture and Education Programme for the Youth Olympic Games, Lee Pak Sing says: "We have this interesting project called the Photoscape, where we'll take pictures of every athlete and these pictures will be immortalised in the Youth Olympic Park. So when they come back 10 or 20 years from now, they can see their own pictures and say, "Hey look! This is me at the first YOG"."
Over at the dining hall, a temporary kitchen that will serve 22,000 meals a day. Athletes will also have a different dish for 10 days.
It's an elaborate menu that took four to five months to plan.
Head of Catering for the Youth Olympic Village, David Leong says: "During the European theme, we have things like the beef goulash, we have stewed lamb and things like that. For Asia, we'll have our chicken rice, so that it's in sync with the CEP programmes. We also have other things like pizza and pasta which the kids will love.
And during certain days, six days onwards, we have treat stalls. They'll have chicken wings, french fries, these are by the side, and coaches will tell the teams whether they're allowed to eat or not."
There's also a discotheque that will belt out the latest hip hop music - where only soft drinks are served, and a gymnasium that can accommodate 150 people at any one time.
Those who need medical attention can visit the clinic, where condoms will also be made available.
Organisers stressed that the intention is not to widely distribute condoms as some athletes are minors. But they're provided by UNAIDS - the Joint United Nations Programmes on HIV and Aids.
The Residential Zone will be the private corner for athletes and officials.
There are about 4,000 rooms, and all of them will be tended to by professional cleaners. Bed linen will be changed every two days. The committee is expecting about 5,600 bags of laundry to be handled every single day.
With all the amenities in place, organisers are working to ensure that this western corner of Singapore becomes a "home away from home".
SINGAPORE: With about two weeks to the official August 10 opening of the Youth Olympic Village at the campus of Nanyang Technological University, organisers say they are ready to welcome the athletes and officials.
The Village Square is where the athletes and officials will rest and relax, and it'll be filled with activities that will leave a lasting impression.
Director of the Culture and Education Programme for the Youth Olympic Games, Lee Pak Sing says: "We have this interesting project called the Photoscape, where we'll take pictures of every athlete and these pictures will be immortalised in the Youth Olympic Park. So when they come back 10 or 20 years from now, they can see their own pictures and say, "Hey look! This is me at the first YOG"."
Over at the dining hall, a temporary kitchen that will serve 22,000 meals a day. Athletes will also have a different dish for 10 days.
It's an elaborate menu that took four to five months to plan.
Head of Catering for the Youth Olympic Village, David Leong says: "During the European theme, we have things like the beef goulash, we have stewed lamb and things like that. For Asia, we'll have our chicken rice, so that it's in sync with the CEP programmes. We also have other things like pizza and pasta which the kids will love.
And during certain days, six days onwards, we have treat stalls. They'll have chicken wings, french fries, these are by the side, and coaches will tell the teams whether they're allowed to eat or not."
There's also a discotheque that will belt out the latest hip hop music - where only soft drinks are served, and a gymnasium that can accommodate 150 people at any one time.
Those who need medical attention can visit the clinic, where condoms will also be made available.
Organisers stressed that the intention is not to widely distribute condoms as some athletes are minors. But they're provided by UNAIDS - the Joint United Nations Programmes on HIV and Aids.
The Residential Zone will be the private corner for athletes and officials.
There are about 4,000 rooms, and all of them will be tended to by professional cleaners. Bed linen will be changed every two days. The committee is expecting about 5,600 bags of laundry to be handled every single day.
With all the amenities in place, organisers are working to ensure that this western corner of Singapore becomes a "home away from home".
28 July 2010
EIS sports science and medicine staff to make a difference in London Olympics
SPORT SCIENCE & MEDICINE FINDING COMPETITIVE EDGE FOR LONDON@EIS
It’s estimated that in the two years leading up to the London 2012 Games, the EIS will have delivered approximately 409,208 hours of sport science and medical support services to Olympic and Paralympic athletes at EIS High Performance Centres across England.
It’s estimated that in the two years leading up to the London 2012 Games, the EIS will have delivered approximately 409,208 hours of sport science and medical support services to Olympic and Paralympic athletes at EIS High Performance Centres across England.
26 July 2010
YOG online media workroom launched
Online media workroom for YOG launched@CNA
SINGAPORE: An online media workroom was launched Friday to give media around the world access to information about the inaugural Youth Olympic Games which will be held in Singapore from August 14 to 26.
The YOG organising committee says the workroom will enable accredited media to access Games information on-the-go.
As a one-stop-shop, it will also facilitate coverage by reporters and photographers who are unable to attend the Games.
The Online Media Workroom is accessible via the Singapore 2010 website at www.singapore2010.sg/mediaworkroom and will provide editorial and photo content to the international media for editorial use.
These include competition schedules, real-time results, as well as information by the Youth Olympic News Service (YONS) and images by the Youth Olympics Photo Service (YOPS).
SINGAPORE: An online media workroom was launched Friday to give media around the world access to information about the inaugural Youth Olympic Games which will be held in Singapore from August 14 to 26.
The YOG organising committee says the workroom will enable accredited media to access Games information on-the-go.
As a one-stop-shop, it will also facilitate coverage by reporters and photographers who are unable to attend the Games.
The Online Media Workroom is accessible via the Singapore 2010 website at www.singapore2010.sg/mediaworkroom and will provide editorial and photo content to the international media for editorial use.
These include competition schedules, real-time results, as well as information by the Youth Olympic News Service (YONS) and images by the Youth Olympics Photo Service (YOPS).
Singapore Education Ministry (MOE) to set up more Youth Sports Academies
MOE to set up more Youth Sports Academies@CNA
SINGAPORE : The Education Ministry will set up more Youth Sports Academies to cater to a wider range of sports, says Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Education, Masagos Zulkifli.
Speaking at the launch of the MOE Youth Sports Academies 2010 on Friday, he said that in time to come, Singapore could see up to 10 academies catering to an estimated 1,000 athletes at the secondary and pre-university levels.
Mr Masagos added that MOE has completed the first selection of students for three sports - badminton, wushu and table tennis.
Forty-nine Secondary One students from 20 schools have enrolled in the three youth sports academies. - CNA/ms
SINGAPORE : The Education Ministry will set up more Youth Sports Academies to cater to a wider range of sports, says Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Education, Masagos Zulkifli.
Speaking at the launch of the MOE Youth Sports Academies 2010 on Friday, he said that in time to come, Singapore could see up to 10 academies catering to an estimated 1,000 athletes at the secondary and pre-university levels.
Mr Masagos added that MOE has completed the first selection of students for three sports - badminton, wushu and table tennis.
Forty-nine Secondary One students from 20 schools have enrolled in the three youth sports academies. - CNA/ms
22 July 2010
Singapore to prepare athletes to participate at the Winter Olympics
Olympics: Sunny Singapore heading for the snow slopes@CNA
SINGAPORE: Tropical Singapore is on track to join the ranks of Winter Olympic nations as efforts to form a sporting authority here charge full steam ahead.
Slated to head the national sports association (NSA) is veteran sports administrator Low Teo Ping, who recently stepped down as president of SingaporeSailing.
Although there are already ice hockey and skating bodies here, the Singapore Sports Council said the proposed NSA will oversee only two sports - snowboarding and downhill skiing - with the aim of competing in future Winter Olympics.
The multi-sport event in temperate climate is held every four years, with the last one in Vancouver earlier this year.
In February, Teo Ser Luck, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS), revealed that a high-performance team from the SSC were studying the possibility of sending athletes to the Winter Olympics, as early as the 2014 Games in Sochi, Russia.
SINGAPORE: Tropical Singapore is on track to join the ranks of Winter Olympic nations as efforts to form a sporting authority here charge full steam ahead.
Slated to head the national sports association (NSA) is veteran sports administrator Low Teo Ping, who recently stepped down as president of SingaporeSailing.
Although there are already ice hockey and skating bodies here, the Singapore Sports Council said the proposed NSA will oversee only two sports - snowboarding and downhill skiing - with the aim of competing in future Winter Olympics.
The multi-sport event in temperate climate is held every four years, with the last one in Vancouver earlier this year.
In February, Teo Ser Luck, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS), revealed that a high-performance team from the SSC were studying the possibility of sending athletes to the Winter Olympics, as early as the 2014 Games in Sochi, Russia.
18 July 2010
Technogym to supply fitness equipment in London 2012
London 2012 signs Technogym as fitness equipment supplier@London2012
The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) today confirmed that Technogym has become the latest Tier Three supplier to London 2012. Technogym will supply and install fitness equipment for athletes in the Athletes’ Village and other training venues, becoming Official Fitness Equipment Supplier.
The main gym facility will be located at the Athletes’ Village and will provide thousands of competing athletes with top of the range fitness equipment for their event preparation. Alongside the facility at the Athletes Village, Technogym will equip several gyms within the other competition and training venues by installing a total of over 750 pieces. Technogym will also be responsible for the design and layout of the facilities, as well providing staff and ongoing maintenance.
The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) today confirmed that Technogym has become the latest Tier Three supplier to London 2012. Technogym will supply and install fitness equipment for athletes in the Athletes’ Village and other training venues, becoming Official Fitness Equipment Supplier.
The main gym facility will be located at the Athletes’ Village and will provide thousands of competing athletes with top of the range fitness equipment for their event preparation. Alongside the facility at the Athletes Village, Technogym will equip several gyms within the other competition and training venues by installing a total of over 750 pieces. Technogym will also be responsible for the design and layout of the facilities, as well providing staff and ongoing maintenance.
17 July 2010
popular YOG social media platforms
Some popular YOG social media platforms@Straits Times
WhyOhGee community site
www.singapore2010.sg/community
13,000 registered members
Launched June 22, this social networking site for the planet's youth allows users to share photographs, videos, tweets and blog posts without hassle.
WhyOhGee micro site
www.singapore2010.sg/whyohgee
Produced by youth, for youth. A wealth of multimedia content connects young people all over the globe through digital media.
Twitter
twitter.com/YOG2010SG
2,900 followers and counting
Keep up-to-date with the latest YOG events and behind-the-scenes preparations.
Million Deeds Challenge
milliondeeds.sg
Always wanted to make a difference in the lives of those closest to you? Now you can. About 69,000 good deeds have been submitted from all over the world so far.
Every deed posted brings the virtual Youth Olympics flame closer to Singapore.
Singapore 2010 Odyssey
www.singapore2010odyssey.sg
200,000 registered users since October last year
Promoting the Olympic values of excellence, friendship and respect, this online game gives kids the chance to take part in a vibrant multi-player online world styled with a futuristic theme.
WhyOhGee community site
www.singapore2010.sg/community
13,000 registered members
Launched June 22, this social networking site for the planet's youth allows users to share photographs, videos, tweets and blog posts without hassle.
WhyOhGee micro site
www.singapore2010.sg/whyohgee
Produced by youth, for youth. A wealth of multimedia content connects young people all over the globe through digital media.
twitter.com/YOG2010SG
2,900 followers and counting
Keep up-to-date with the latest YOG events and behind-the-scenes preparations.
Million Deeds Challenge
milliondeeds.sg
Always wanted to make a difference in the lives of those closest to you? Now you can. About 69,000 good deeds have been submitted from all over the world so far.
Every deed posted brings the virtual Youth Olympics flame closer to Singapore.
Singapore 2010 Odyssey
www.singapore2010odyssey.sg
200,000 registered users since October last year
Promoting the Olympic values of excellence, friendship and respect, this online game gives kids the chance to take part in a vibrant multi-player online world styled with a futuristic theme.
09 July 2010
WADA launches an online Anti-Doping learning tool
WADA Launches CoachTrue - New Anti-Doping Learning Tool＠WADA
This new resource, available at no cost to stakeholders, covers a wide range of anti-doping activities and topics in order to cater to the various learning styles and demanding schedules of coaches.
CoachTrue contains separate platforms for coaches of elite-level athletes and coaches of young or recreational-level athletes.
An evolution of the Coach’s Tool Kit, which assists stakeholders in the facilitation of a face-to-face workshop for coaches, CoachTrue is intended to assist anti-doping organizations, coaching associations and universities in providing anti-doping education to coaches.
This new resource, available at no cost to stakeholders, covers a wide range of anti-doping activities and topics in order to cater to the various learning styles and demanding schedules of coaches.
CoachTrue contains separate platforms for coaches of elite-level athletes and coaches of young or recreational-level athletes.
An evolution of the Coach’s Tool Kit, which assists stakeholders in the facilitation of a face-to-face workshop for coaches, CoachTrue is intended to assist anti-doping organizations, coaching associations and universities in providing anti-doping education to coaches.
07 July 2010
YOG costs $387 million
Youth Olympic Games to cost $387 million@red sports
It will cost Singapore $387 million to host the upcoming Youth Olympic Games, three times the original estimate of $122 million.
The Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS) said that money was spent to upgrade existing venues to allow international broadcasting. Also, the number of volunteers have gone from the 7,000 to 20,000.
Local companies were awarded $260 million worth of contracts as a result of the YOG. The companies include CityNeon Holdings and Pico Global Service (both for events and exhibition services), Comfort-Delgro (transport), Singapore Food Industries, Select Group (catering), CISCO (auxiliary police), NCS (software system, data centres management) and Purechem Veolia (cleaning).
The government expects an estimated 40,000 foreign visitors and tourism receipts of about $57 million.
It will cost Singapore $387 million to host the upcoming Youth Olympic Games, three times the original estimate of $122 million.
The Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS) said that money was spent to upgrade existing venues to allow international broadcasting. Also, the number of volunteers have gone from the 7,000 to 20,000.
Local companies were awarded $260 million worth of contracts as a result of the YOG. The companies include CityNeon Holdings and Pico Global Service (both for events and exhibition services), Comfort-Delgro (transport), Singapore Food Industries, Select Group (catering), CISCO (auxiliary police), NCS (software system, data centres management) and Purechem Veolia (cleaning).
The government expects an estimated 40,000 foreign visitors and tourism receipts of about $57 million.
Sports Sci J@Jun-Jul10
This is the latest sports science journal update.
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Jun-Jul10
Long term athlete development
Comparison of Technical and Physiological Characteristics of Prepubescent Soccer Players of Different Ages. JSCR
Development of dribbling in talented youth soccer players aged 12-19 years: A longitudinal study. JSS
Assessing Muscular Strength in Youth: Usefulness of Standing Long Jump as a General Index of Muscular Fitness. JSCR
Vertical jumping and leg power normative data for English school children aged 10-15 years. JSS
Improving Acceleration and Repeated Sprint Ability in Well-Trained Adolescent Handball Players: Speed Versus Sprint Interval Training. IJSPP
The International Olympic Committee Consensus Statement on age determination in high-level young athletes. BJSM
The Science of Sex Verification and Athletic Performance. IJSPP
Relative age effect in youth soccer: analysis of the FIFA U17 World Cup competition. SJMSS
Relative age effect in female sport: a diachronic examination of soccer players. SJMSS
Relative age and dropout in French male soccer. JSS
Differences in self-regulatory skills among talented athletes: The significance of competitive level and type of sport. JSS
Growth, maturation, functional capacities and sport-specific skills in 12-13 year-old- basketball players. JSMPF
Genetics-based performance talent research: polymorphisms as predictors of endurance performance. JAP
Does your (genetic) alphabet soup spell "runner"? JAP
Are calcineurin genes associated with endurance phenotype traits? EJAP
Physical Activity Questionnaires for Youth: A Systematic Review of Measurement Properties. SM
Mortality and longevity of elite athlete. JSMS
Performance enhancement
Coping with stressors in elite sport: A coach perspective. EJSS
Nullius in Verba: A Call for the Incorporation of Evidence-Based Practice into the Discipline of Exercise Science. SM
The biomechanics of kicking in soccer: A review. JSS
`Combining Hypoxic Methods for Peak Performance': a Biomedical Engineering Perspective. SM
Beneficial Effects of Ice Ingestion as a Precooling Strategy on 40-km Cycling Time-Trial Performance. IJSPP
The effect of pre-cooling intensity on cooling efficiency and exercise performance. JSS
The Effects of Whole-Body Compression Garments on Prolonged High-Intensity Intermittent Exercise. JSCR
Heart rate recovery as a guide to monitor fatigue and predict changes in performance parameters. SJMSS
Role of [beta]-Alanine Supplementation on Muscle Carnosine and Exercise Performance. MSSE
Physiological Measures Tracking Seasonal Changes in Peak Running Speed. IJSPP
Prolonged Repeated-Sprint Ability Is Related to Arterial O2 Desaturation in Men. IJSPP
Injury prevention and management
ECSS Position Statement 2009: Prevention of acute sports injuries. EJSS
Massage Impairs Postexercise Muscle Blood Flow and "Lactic Acid" Removal. MSSE
Diagnosing overtraining in athletes using the two-bout exercise protocol. BJSM
The effectiveness of a neuromuscular prevention strategy to reduce injuries in youth soccer: a cluster-randomised controlled trial. BJSM
Core Training: Evidence Translating to Better Performance and Injury Prevention. SCJ
More data needed on injury risk among young elite athletes. BJSM
Sports injuries and illnesses in the 2009 FINA World Championships (Aquatics). BJSM
The influenza A (H1N1-2009) experience at the inaugural Asian Youth Games Singapore 2009: mass gathering during a developing pandemic. BJSM
Whole-Body Cryotherapy in Athletes. SM
Technology development
World Records: How Much Athlete? How Much Technology? IJSPP
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Jun-Jul10
Long term athlete development
Comparison of Technical and Physiological Characteristics of Prepubescent Soccer Players of Different Ages. JSCR
Development of dribbling in talented youth soccer players aged 12-19 years: A longitudinal study. JSS
Assessing Muscular Strength in Youth: Usefulness of Standing Long Jump as a General Index of Muscular Fitness. JSCR
Vertical jumping and leg power normative data for English school children aged 10-15 years. JSS
Improving Acceleration and Repeated Sprint Ability in Well-Trained Adolescent Handball Players: Speed Versus Sprint Interval Training. IJSPP
The International Olympic Committee Consensus Statement on age determination in high-level young athletes. BJSM
The Science of Sex Verification and Athletic Performance. IJSPP
Relative age effect in youth soccer: analysis of the FIFA U17 World Cup competition. SJMSS
Relative age effect in female sport: a diachronic examination of soccer players. SJMSS
Relative age and dropout in French male soccer. JSS
Differences in self-regulatory skills among talented athletes: The significance of competitive level and type of sport. JSS
Growth, maturation, functional capacities and sport-specific skills in 12-13 year-old- basketball players. JSMPF
Genetics-based performance talent research: polymorphisms as predictors of endurance performance. JAP
Does your (genetic) alphabet soup spell "runner"? JAP
Are calcineurin genes associated with endurance phenotype traits? EJAP
Physical Activity Questionnaires for Youth: A Systematic Review of Measurement Properties. SM
Mortality and longevity of elite athlete. JSMS
Performance enhancement
Coping with stressors in elite sport: A coach perspective. EJSS
Nullius in Verba: A Call for the Incorporation of Evidence-Based Practice into the Discipline of Exercise Science. SM
The biomechanics of kicking in soccer: A review. JSS
`Combining Hypoxic Methods for Peak Performance': a Biomedical Engineering Perspective. SM
Beneficial Effects of Ice Ingestion as a Precooling Strategy on 40-km Cycling Time-Trial Performance. IJSPP
The effect of pre-cooling intensity on cooling efficiency and exercise performance. JSS
The Effects of Whole-Body Compression Garments on Prolonged High-Intensity Intermittent Exercise. JSCR
Heart rate recovery as a guide to monitor fatigue and predict changes in performance parameters. SJMSS
Role of [beta]-Alanine Supplementation on Muscle Carnosine and Exercise Performance. MSSE
Physiological Measures Tracking Seasonal Changes in Peak Running Speed. IJSPP
Prolonged Repeated-Sprint Ability Is Related to Arterial O2 Desaturation in Men. IJSPP
Injury prevention and management
ECSS Position Statement 2009: Prevention of acute sports injuries. EJSS
Massage Impairs Postexercise Muscle Blood Flow and "Lactic Acid" Removal. MSSE
Diagnosing overtraining in athletes using the two-bout exercise protocol. BJSM
The effectiveness of a neuromuscular prevention strategy to reduce injuries in youth soccer: a cluster-randomised controlled trial. BJSM
Core Training: Evidence Translating to Better Performance and Injury Prevention. SCJ
More data needed on injury risk among young elite athletes. BJSM
Sports injuries and illnesses in the 2009 FINA World Championships (Aquatics). BJSM
The influenza A (H1N1-2009) experience at the inaugural Asian Youth Games Singapore 2009: mass gathering during a developing pandemic. BJSM
Whole-Body Cryotherapy in Athletes. SM
Technology development
World Records: How Much Athlete? How Much Technology? IJSPP
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06 July 2010
Community projects for YOG athletes
Community projects for YOG athletes@CNA
Athletes taking part in the inaugural Youth Olympic Games will have the opportunity to be involved in community projects when they participate in the Culture and Education Programme.
The Singapore Youth Olympic Games Organising Committee is working with the National Youth Council and six community partners to deliver the Community Project activities.
The six activities are clog painting, community drumming, circus arts, balloon sculpting, origami folding, and ceramic tile-making.
Athletes taking part in the Community Project activities will also interact with local community participants such as students from the Movement For The Intellectually Disabled Of Singapore.
Athletes taking part in the inaugural Youth Olympic Games will have the opportunity to be involved in community projects when they participate in the Culture and Education Programme.
The Singapore Youth Olympic Games Organising Committee is working with the National Youth Council and six community partners to deliver the Community Project activities.
The six activities are clog painting, community drumming, circus arts, balloon sculpting, origami folding, and ceramic tile-making.
Athletes taking part in the Community Project activities will also interact with local community participants such as students from the Movement For The Intellectually Disabled Of Singapore.
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