By Lai Jun Wei/Red Sports

Singapore, Sunday, August 8, 2010 — “One year ago, with Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, Mr Ng Ser Miang and others, I launched the countdown of the Youth Olympic Games at the City Hall steps. Time has gone very fast and the Youth Olympic flame has arrived in Singapore,” said Senior Minister S Jayakumar at at St Andrew’s Village for the start of the torch relay through Singapore’s South East District.

He added, “I hope Singaporeans will keep the flame alive from now until the completion of the Games, so that the athletes, officials, and everyone here will know that Singapore is a country that lived up to expectations and gave full support to the Youth Olympic Games.”

Two students from Cedar Girls’ Secondary were among the many torch bearers for today’s torch relay. Clara Poon, 16, a track and field athlete, and Quak Gu Ting, 14, a volleyballer, were nominated by their school to carry the flame.

Gu Ting shared: “I feel very fortunate and honoured to be able to carry the torch and participate in the torch relay. It is really memorable for both my family and I, and this is a good experience for me. I was rather excited and shocked after being informed by my teacher, Mr Tan, that I could represent my school. I went home immediately told my parents about it, and they got very excited.

“I initially felt nervous to be part of this prestigious event, but luckily, I had moral support from my parents, which managed to calm me down. Fortunately, everything went well today and I wasn’t nervous, but instead excited to the extent that I could not wait to hold the torch.”

Gu Ting’s father, Mr Quak Kian Lim, spoke about his feelings on his daughter’s role today. “As a father, I’m very proud and honoured that she was given this opportunity. This is the first YOG and it is being held in Singapore, it is an honour for Gu Ting to be given a chance to represent Singapore, as well as Cedar, as a torch bearer.”

Mr Quak was up early and waiting along the stretch of road which Gu Ting was to run, video camera in hand. Gu Ting’s mother and aunt were also present to witness the occasion.

Gu Ting shared about the preparations she did for her role in the torch relay.

“All I did was face a mirror, (and practice) trying to have the best smile of my life for today’s event. I also tried telling myself that everything would be great and the feeling of holding the torch would be awesome!”

Prior to this, she also went jogging, and did some exercise to keep herself fit.

She added: “I would like to thank my friends and family who took time off and came down all the way to support me. I would also like to thank the school and teachers for giving me this opportunity. After this experience, I really feel proud of Singapore as we can host such a big event though we’re a small country. I would also like to take this opportunity to say, ‘Well Done Singapore and Happy Birthday!’”

The flame will end up at ITE College (East) in the evening where Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong will light the cauldron. Up to 2,000 celebrants are expected to attend the community celebration.