Ng Ser Miang is a sportsman, diplomat and businessman
from Singapore. He is vice-president of the Singapore National Olympic Council
and a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The former sailor
has won a silver medal in the South-east Asian Peninsular Games, and is
currently the chairman of the entire organisation of the Youth Olympic Games.
Singapore hosts the 1st Youth Olympic Games. To be
responsible for the entire organisation of such an important event is quite a
challenge. When did you start with the organisation?
Miang: We started already two and a half years ago
with the organization, having the honor to host such an event.
How many people are working behind the scenes to make
this event happen?
Miang: We recruited 20.000 volunteers. Beside them,
550 full time employees are working for the YOG. For two years we were training
and giving them the experience they need to be part of this event.
We are now on day 8 of the competition. Are you
satisfied with the result of your work so far?
Miang: We are very satisfied.
And how do you experience handball here at the YOG?
Miang: Handball is a young sport here in Singapore,
but there is already a lot of excitement about it, also among the
spectators.
What were the difficulties you faced during the
organisation?
Miang: We dealt with 26 different sports and at the
same time we brought up and constructed the Culture and Education Programme. So
time was very tight. But we achieved our target.
Is there anything you would improve, if you could
organise the Youth Olympics again?
Miang: You can always improve, but most important for
us are the young athletes. As long as the atmosphere is great and the athletes
are happy, we are satisfied.