By REDintern Jasmine Goh. Photos by Lim Yong Teck/Red Sports
President Tony Tan launching the official 28th SEA Games and 8th ASEAN Para Games logos. (Photo 1 © Lim Yong Teck/Red Sports)
Gardens by the Bay, Saturday, February 15, 2014 — The President of Singapore, Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam, unveiled the logos and mascots for the 2015 SEA Games and 8th ASEAN Para Games at a launch party last weekend.
The theme of the Games is “Celebrate the Extraordinary”, which is about connecting individuals, communities and countries to their dreams.
“The Games is more than just about sporting events. They are about the hopes and dreams of individuals and communities. They are about the human spirit and our shared aspirations. The Games will bring together ordinary people with extraordinary dreams,” said Mr Lawrence Wong, Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth.
The SEA Games logo represents the meeting of Southeast Asia, symbolizing individual dreams united in the spirit of the games. Meanwhile, the three figures for the ASEAN Para Games Logo draws its inspiration from the 28th SEA Games. It represents inclusiveness, uplifting and transforming disabled sports, and national pride.
The mascot, Nila the Lion, which was used at the 2012 Singapore Games, has been given a new look for 2015. He is immaculately decked out in his signature tracksuit or his blue sporting attire, depending on the occasion.
“Today, we not only celebrate Team Singapore’s achievements but also launch our campaign to 2015, which is also the year of our Golden Jubilee,” said Minister Wong.
“The last time we hosted the Games was in 1993, more than 20 years ago. Next year, we will see the return of the SEA Games and the debut of the ASEAN Para Games in Singapore, both held in our brand new National Stadium and Sports Hub,” added Mr Wong.
Singapore athletes said they enjoy competing in the front of the home crowd.
“It is stressful yet exciting to be able to compete here at home, in front of our friends and families,” said 16-year-old Vera Tan, Singapore’s youngest national Wushu exponent.
“I think it’s always nice to have a big crowd behind you,” said basketballer Ng Hanbin. “The support from our family and friends and the fact that they would be able to see us play, really adds to our morale for the game.”
Over 9,000 athletes and officials are expected to participate in the 2015 SEA Games and 8th ASEAN Para Games. Organisers said more than 12,000 volunteers out of the 15,000 targeted have stepped forward. Of the 12,000 volunteers, 5000 are signups from members of public, while the other 7000 are pledges from schools and institutions. The volunteers range in age from as young as 14 to their late 60s.
“At the end of the day, whether the Games can be truly extraordinary will depend on all of us as Singaporeans. We have to come together to be gracious hosts and cheer on the athletes; to deliver not just high-quality games, but also a lasting legacy for the future,” said Mr Wong.
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