by Dawn Tay & Daryll Nanayakara

ONE by one, they held out their torches to be lit amid loud cheers, then held the Asian Youth Games (AYG) flame aloft as they ran their designated routes.

Ministers, athletes and Games sponsors were united as one yesterday, as the first day of the AYG torch relay saw the flame reach all corners of Singapore - from Woodlands to Jurong, from Pasir Ris to East Coast Park, from Ang Mo Kio to Orchard Road.

Three torches - representing Friendship, Respect and Excellence - were lit at the Kallang Waterfront early yesterday morning, and were sent out to community celebrations around the island.

National thrower James Wong took the torch into the Yio Chu Kang Stadium, where he passed the flame on to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

PM Lee then kicked off Central Singapore District's Community Sports Festival, with a torch relay around the vicinity of the stadium.

There were similar scenes played out at Republic Polytechnic, Jurong Point, East Coast Park and Pasir Ris Elias Community Club yesterday morning.

Said Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean, who witnessed the light-up at Kallang Waterfront: 'The flame symbolises the endeavour for perfection, the struggle for victory, peace and friendship that transcends countries and boundaries.'

In the afternoon, the relay reached the heart of the city at Orchard Road. Shoppers and tourists looked on with interest as the torch bearers ran past them.

The torch relay reached the Suntec City fountain before turning towards Marina Square, where Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Community Development, Youth And Sports, was ready to run the final leg.

He carried the torch for an eight-minute run before reaching the Games Village in Swissotel the Stamford, amid boisterous cheers from the 300-strong crowd of dignitaries and athletes.

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			Photos: SPH

Together with the chairman of the AYG's steering committee, Mr Ng Ser Miang, he lit the Games' safety lantern amid a spray of confetti and loud music.

Speaking to reporters after the ceremony, a delighted Dr Balakrishnan said that it was important for Singaporeans to be part of the Games, and he was glad that yesterday's "community leg" had been incorporated into the torch relay.

He explained: 'It isn't just about taking part in a sports event. This is an event which Singapore plays home to, and every Singaporean needs to feel a part of it.'

dawnt@sph.com.sg
darylldj@sph.com.sg

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