Picture story by Lai Jun Wei and Marvin Lowe/Red Sports.
While most eyes were on the athletes competing in the Asian Youth Games (AYG) Beach Volleyball competition, few would have noticed the people around them and the emotions they brought along.
Were you there, were you one of them?
Thailand, who bagged both the boys’ and girls’ gold medals, had a large group of supporters cheering them on. For every point won, loud cheers echoed through the spectator stands. (Photo 1 © Lai Jun Wei/Red Sports)
This fan has enough time to eat, watch the match and have a conversation with his friend all at the same time – staying true to the image of an efficient multi-tasking Singaporean! (Photo 2 © Lai Jun Wei/Red Sports)
Fans watch on as Kazakhstan lose a point. (Photo 3 © Lai Jun Wei/Red Sports)
Singapore’s own beach volleyball team members of Dorita, Yi Ting and Qing Shan were also present to watch the finals. (Photo 4 © Lai Jun Wei/Red Sports)
Singapore AYG Beach Volleyball representative, Melvin Goh, prefers to camouflage himself with the crowd. (Photo 5 © Lai Jun Wei/Red Sports)
Supporters of the Kazakhstan’s girls’ team cheering on with words of encouragement especially when their team was on a lull. (Photo 6 © Lai Jun Wei/Red Sports)
A Thailand supporter rose to his feet to celebrate the team’s victory. The gold medals were instrumental in placing Thailand ahead of Singapore in the overall AYG medal tally. Eventually, Thailand finished in third position behind China and South Korea on the AYG medal tally. (Photo 7 © Lai Jun Wei/Red Sports)
The Thailand finalists knew they had Thai officials to impress. (Photo 8 © Lai Jun Wei/Red Sports)
An enthusiastic Thai fan displaying his patriotism as he waves a miniature Thai flag to the tune of the national anthem. (Photo 9 © Lai Jun Wei/Red Sports)
“Wahhh…” Singapore’s coach watches on the game. (Photo 10 © Lai Jun Wei/Red Sports)
Is this Siloso Beach or Patong Beach? The strength of Thailand’s spectators of all ages would have given them a sense of home ground advantage! (Photo 11 © Lai Jun Wei/Red Sports)
“We’re ready…” (Photo 12 © Lai Jun Wei/Red Sports)
“Got to make sure this is right…” (Photo 13 © Lai Jun Wei/Red Sports)
Keeping a watchful eye over the crowd. (Photo 14 © Lai Jun Wei/Red Sports)
A technical official takes the opportunity to replenish some fluids during a time-out call. (Photo 15 © Lai Jun Wei/Red Sports)
“Player no.2 to serve…” (Photo 16 © Lai Jun Wei/Red Sports)
Seizing the moment! The volunteers also managed to snap some shots of their favourite athletes during their break. (Photo 17 © Lai Jun Wei/Red Sports)
“We are tough and unafraid of toiling under the hot sun!” Volunteers from CHIJ St Theresa’s Convent helped out as ball girls. (Photo 18 © Lai Jun Wei/Red Sports)
“Shhh… Let me tell you a secret. I think that guy is taking our photo!” (Photo 19 © Lai Jun Wei/Red Sports)
“We sweep, we clean, and we can sand-rake too!” Singapore young volunteers taking a well-deserved break after completing their usual routines. (Photo 20 © Lai Jun Wei/Red Sports)
“It’s in…” (Photo 21 © Lai Jun Wei/Red Sports)
“SOS!” Volunteers scampering out to rake the sand during the interval. (Photo 22 © Lai Jun Wei/Red Sports)
The officials marching out in style for the start of the breath-taking boys’ final. (Photo 23 © Lai Jun Wei/Red Sports)
If you look closely, you can see the beads of perspiration on her face… (Photo 24 © Lai Jun Wei/Red Sports)
“Its no nonsense.” Officials discussing some issues on the sidelines. (Photo 25 © Lai Jun Wei/Red Sports)
These once-in-a-life-time moments! Volunteers capturing shots of themselves to remember their time at the AYG. (Photo 26 © Lai Jun Wei/Red Sports)
“It’s out!” (Photo 27 © Lai Jun Wei/Red Sports)
A photographer with heavy equipment tries to find the perfect angle under the sweltering heat. (Photo 28 © Lai Jun Wei/Red Sports)
Photographers lining themselves up to capture every moment of the exhilarating finals! (Photo 29 © Lai Jun Wei/Red Sports)
A volunteer at the prize presentation ceremony cheekily sticks her tongue out at her friend. (Photo 30 © Marvin Lowe/Red Sports)
“Are we there yet?” (Photo 31 © Lai Jun Wei/Red Sports)
Do you recognise her? (Photo 32 © Lai Jun Wei/Red Sports)
The volunteers prepare for the victory ceremony. (Photo 33 © Marvin Lowe/Red Sports)
Obviously the slight drizzle did not dampen her spirits. (Photo 34 © Lai Jun Wei/Red Sports)
The auxiliary police were on task to ensure order was maintained. (Photo 35 © Lai Jun Wei/Red Sports)
The sea of volunteers in white and blue gathered at the end of the finals for a final debrief. (Photo 36 © Lai Jun Wei/Red Sports)
How can we forget Frasia, the AYG mascot. But wait.. He’s not wearing his pass! (Photo 37 © Marvin/Red Sports)
Singapore – Host of the inaugural Asian Youth Games! (Photo 38 © Lai Jun Wei/Red Sports)
Editor’s note: If you recognise yourself or any of your friends, feel free to leave the names at the comments section below and we will update the captions accordingly. Thanks!
oooo…. it is my school, i participated too!
The Scorer showing no.2 means that it’s Player no.2 to serve now… not 2 more points to court switch… : >
Fabulous photo montage guys!