Many of the athletes on the Australian Youth Olympic Team have never been overseas before and competing at the Youth Olympic Games in Singapore can be daunting. 

But they were made to feel at home by hundreds of school children and ex-pats today at the Anglo Chinese School (ACS). 

Kids from ACS and the neighbouring Anglo Chinese Junior College had decorated the school hall in green and gold with good luck welcome messages for all. When the athletes arrived they cheered and clapped like they were household names.  

The Team Reception was organised by the Australian High Commission in conjunction with the schools who had been twinning with schools in Australia leading in to the Youth Olympic Games (YOG). 

The formalities of the Reception involved Chef de Mission Nick Green announcing pole vaulter Liz Parnov as the flag bearer in front of the Team and thanking the locals for making the Australian Team so welcome. 

“We are delighted to be here today. It is a great pleasure and thank you so much for this wonderful welcome, “Green said. 

The dual Olympic rowing champion then presented the schools with a Boxing Kangaroo mascot for them to place in their school to remember this great day.

 “This Boxing Kangaroo is the mascot for our Olympic Teams and what our athletes compete under with great pride and determination. 

“I can assure you we will do whatever we can on and off the sporting field to represent Australia with pride.” 

Parnov was beaming with pride after being selected from 100 of Australia’s most talented sportspeople. 

“It is a really huge privilege and it makes me even more excited and determined for the event,” 16-year-old Parnov said. 

Parnov who comes from famous pole vaulting pedigree summarised how she ended up doing the same. 

“Well, I guess I was practically born at the track. I used to play in the sand pit and then I got more serious, got involved and then I became a pole vaulter!”

 “For all the children here just remember whether its sport or something else you love, don’t ever give up, give it your best and you’ll be rewarded.” 

Remarkably four students from the ASC will represent Singapore at the Games, including diver Chloe Chan.

Chan is a pioneer diver for Singapore. She was a top gymnast before injury led her to take up diving 12 months ago.

“It is very exciting we have trained very hard and now it’s time to show the world what we can do,” Chan said.

“The YOG is a great platform for sport in Singapore. Our Team will try our best and see how it goes.”  

Australia’s High Commissioner to Singapore, Mr Doug Chester spoke about the excitement that the event has generated on the island state and for youth around the world. 

After the speeches the Australian athletes mingled and signed autographs for the kids. The Team Mascot, the Boxing Kangaroo, was a popular guest and Australian singer Jessica Mauboy made a special guest appearance. 

Mauboy will sing the YOG theme song at the Opening Ceremony on Saturday night. 

Andrew Reid
AOC