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SINGAPORE: Details of the much-anticipated Opening and Closing ceremonies of the world's first Youth Olympic Games (YOG) are out.
Organisers did not want to disclose too much, saying it is still work in progress.
But they said the shows will be by the young, for the young, and inspire global unity and national pride.
The National Day Parade at the Marina Bay Floating Platform has wowed Singaporeans over the years.
But come August, the venue will stage the biggest party for a global audience, where an estimated 7,000 youths are expected to perform in the first-ever Opening Ceremony of an Olympic Games to be held on the waterfront with a city skyline as a backdrop.
The opening ceremony of the YOG will kick off at 20:10 hours or 8.10pm Singapore time on August 14 and will last for two hours. The Games will close on August 26.
25,000 people will be at the platform for each of the ceremonies, with billions more around the world watching it on TV and via new media.
It will be history in the making, as organisers said the inaugural Games will create a new chapter in the Olympic movement.
But organisers were tight-lipped about revealing too much.
"(There will be) 7,600 performers, (with)...lighting...multimedia...fireworks, fountains, huge props, and an amazing set against this beautiful backdrop," said Ivan Heng, creative director, Opening and Closing Ceremonies, Singapore Youth Olympic Games 2010.
The Opening Ceremony will showcase Singapore's multi-racial diversity and elements from around the world.
The creative team brainstormed with young people for their ideas.
"We had workshops in early February last year when we got together with a group of youths. Over the course of two weeks, we sat down and we really talked to each other. We listened to what they felt what the YOG Opening Ceremony and Closing Ceremony should be," said Mr Heng.
He added, "This is going to be an event that will be very much involved by youths. It would be for the youths and we will be working with the youths."
While not like the Beijing Olympics, the team said Singapore will deliver a memorable show, despite its modest budget.
Francis Chong, Deputy CEO, Singapore Youth Olympic Games Organising Committee, said, "It is not about outspending or bragging rights. If that is the case, big cities always have the edge. It is about finding and creating the meaning.
"It is not about how much is being spent. Enough will be spent to create a show that will move people and entertain."
His comments were echoed by Mr Heng, who believes that sincerity matters more than a big budget.
He said: "A big budget does not mean good (shows). You can make good shows with a smaller budget but with a lot of heart. That is what we want to do."
The team also faces another challenge - the short lead-up time in getting the resources, concept and performers together.
"Performers are being trained as we speak, and that training is more the kind of dancers that we want, costumes are being created...and this will all come together sometime in mid-July when we begin the combined rehearsals," said Brigadier-General Ishak Ismail, chairman, Opening and Closing Ceremonies, Singapore Youth Olympic Games 2010.
Organisers are expecting good demand for seats and tickets will be offered through a balloting system, where each person is only allowed to buy four tickets. The tickets themselves are unique as they are an all-in-one event ticket - allowing entry, transit and payment.
Tickets range from S$30 to S$200 for the Opening Ceremony and S$15 to S$80 for the Closing Ceremony.
Registration starts on April 23 and can be done online at www.singapore2010.sg/tickets or through a hotline, +65 63482010. - CNA/fa
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