Beyond Gold: The Journey to the First Youth Olympic Games

I was at an exclusive media preview of a documentary on the Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games (YOG) - "Beyond Gold: The Journey to the First Youth Olympic Games", at Cathay Cineleisure Orchard.

The inaugural Youth Olympic Games will be held in Singapore from 14 to 26 August 2010. The logo above is called the "Spirit of Youth", comprising The Flame of Passion (red flame), The Star of Champions (purple star), and The Crescent of Tomorrow (green crescent).

The highly anticipated international sport event - Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games (http://www.singapore2010.sg/public/sg2010/en.html).

The 26 YOG Sports (http://tickets.singapore2010.sg/YOGBookingApp/pictogram.do)

This documentary traces the journey of 3 young Team Singapore athletes: Alvin Phoon (cycling), Lim Chin Jie (judo) and Rania Rahardja (fencing), in their quest for a spot to represent Singapore in YOG. You'll be able to get a glimpse into their ambitions, struggles and beliefs.

“Champions do not become champions when they win the event, but in the hours, weeks, months and years they spend preparing for it. The victorious performance itself is merely the demonstration of their championship character” - T. Alan Armstrong

The documentary also gave an insight to the process behind the making of the Singapore 2010 mascots - Lyo and Merly. And the hard work those people wearing the mascots have put in.

Left: Lyo - http://www.singapore2010.sg/public/sg2010/en/en_mascot/en_mascot_home/en_lyo.html

Right: Merly - http://www.singapore2010.sg/public/sg2010/en/en_mascot/en_mascot_home/en_merly.html

Another element in the documentary - the Singapore 2010 YOG aims to inspire youth around the world to embrace, embody and express the Olympic values: Excellence, Friendship and Respect.

:: Excellence & Commitment ::

~ Always commit and strive for excellence in everything you do.

:: Friendship & Teamwork ::

~ Work as a team and bond as friends.

:: Respect + Integrity::

~ Respect the individual for who they are and act with integrity.

"Singapore 2010 Friendship Camp rocks!" uploaded by singapore2010 on Dec 13, 2009.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DUY-pLeJCw

:: Friendship ::

The Olympic Motto: "CITIUS, ALTIUS, FORTIUS" - which means Swifter, Higher, Stronger. Never be complacent; Compete with self; Go beyond self and reach new goals.

In the video, you'll see the events leading up to Singapore 2010 from the day when Singapore is running to host the inaugural Youth Olympic Games. Were you there during these important milestones?

The countdown, "from concept to reality":