Preparations for YOG Opening Ceremony

Preparations for YOG Opening Ceremony get into high gear

"The Best Show on Earth in 2010" - that's how organisers are describing the Opening Ceremony for the Youth Olympic Games (YOG).

And to deliver on that, more than 20 choreographers and 7,000 youth performers are hard at work to transform the stage into a spectacle for billions around the world come August 14.

800 students gathered at Mandai Hill Camp on Friday morning to rehearse their performances for the YOG's Opening Ceremony.

Their spirits were not dampened when the heavy rain led to rehearsals being moved indoors.

Education Minister Ng Eng Hen was also there to give them an added boost.

"I'm very confident they will put up a spectacular show and the setting couldn't be better - with new Marina Bay Sands up. I think we are on track to wow the world but we have to work very hard to achieve that," said Dr Ng.

Hard work aside, the clock is also ticking away, as there are only 50 days to go.

But the students are not letting that get in their way, practicing even late into the night.

"The instructors have been really, really helpful, and really patient with us," said student Joseph Sim.

"Our parents are aware of this and our teachers are also making plans for us. They have already come forward with extra lessons if we have missed any," said student Soniya d/o Selvaraju.

Unlike the National Day Parade, the YOG Opening Ceremony will involve more students - 4,000 from 47 schools, and supported by 200 teachers.

Despite the large numbers, quality is not compromised.

The 7,000 performers are involved in both the Opening Ceremony on August 14 and Closing Ceremony on August 26.

-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-