2009 Asian Youth Games
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| Host city | Singapore | ||
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| Motto | Asia's Youth, Our Future | ||
| Nations participating | 43 | ||
| Athletes participating | 1,237 | ||
| Events | 90 in 9 sports | ||
| Opening ceremony | June 29 | ||
| Closing ceremony | July 7 | ||
| Officially opened by |
Lee Hsien Loong Prime Minister of Singapore |
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| Torch lighter | Tao Li, Remy Ong, Jasmine Ser | ||
| Main venue | Singapore Indoor Stadium | ||
| Website | Official website | ||
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The 1st Asian Youth Games was held in Singapore from June 29, 2009 to July 7, 2009 in over 90 sporting events. The plan for the Asian Youth Games was part of Singapore's bid to stage the 2010 Summer Youth Olympics (YOG). The purpose was to allow youths to use the chance to benchmark their performances against youth teams from Asian nations. The Games also provided Singapore with an opportunity to test organisational and logistical capabilities in advance of the 2010 YOG. The organisation of the Games, spearheaded by the Singapore Sports Council, cost S$15 million, which was part of the $130 million for YOG.
The 1st Asian Youth Games torch relay started on June 28 morning with the Community and Corporate Leg. The flame lighting ceremony was held on June 28 at the Kallang Waterfront. The flame is then carried across the island in buses to arrive at the start of the three routes, named after the Olympic values of Friendship, Excellence and Respect. A total of 70 torchbearers were involved in day one of the relay.
The torch relay resumed on June 29 for the Schools leg, with the flame travelling to 45 schools around Singapore, where over a hundred runners had the honour of carrying the torch.
The relay ended at the Singapore Indoor Stadium where three athletes ran in with the torches and light the cauldron as part of the Opening Ceremony celebrations.
The theme song entitled Asia's Youth, Our Future was unveiled on March 19, 2009.
The song carries the message of hope and friendship and was composed by musician Iskandar Ismail, and written jointly by Jose Raymond and Hoo Cher Liek.
The singers are Nathan Hartono and Lian Kim Selby.
The official emblem of the 2009 Asian Youth Games was unveiled on November 14, 2008 and designed by Brainwave Design. The logo, as described by Olympic Council of Asia, represents excellence and victory that the athletes will bring during the Games.
Frasia, which means Friends of Asia, is the name of the official mascot for the 1st Asian Youth Games. The mascot embodies the values and spirit of the Asian Youth Games. The sprightly lion exemplifies friendship, respect and excellence. It constitutes a spirited representation of young hearts and minds in pursuit of sporting excellence.
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