On the Youth Olympics

Brian wrote an encouraging piece on the YoG as someone from the inside: Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games: Singapore, What Do You Want? What’s even more interesting is the discussion that followed in the comments thread. I was penning a comment, but realized this piece of my mind is too large for the thread. So here goes.

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The argument that YoG is spending money at the expense of the poor is one that applies to a multitude of budget decisions. Why invest in failing multi-national banks? (Did we only lose $300million?) Why do we even bother keeping so much in reserve when Singaporeans are facing financial difficulties? Shouldn’t we improve efficiency, reduce wastage and red tape so more could be spent on healthcare for the needy?

As I read the comments, I realize much of the unhappiness with Singapore hosting the event is generated by the political agenda of the “cynics” and “alternative media”. While many are trying hard not to buy into government propaganda on the event, they’re buying into opportunistic attacks. Sports should not be politicised. Let’s not make YoG a victim.

Suppose then that, regardless of “opportunistic attacks”, every dollar of the budget should be prioritized on improving the immediate material needs of Singaporeans. Does that mean that money spent on scholarships to higher education should be taken away to alleviate the hardships of the poorest? Why invest in the arts for the indulgence of a priviledged few? On the individual level, should you miss that weekend movie and give the $10 to the old lady living on selling collected cardboard and drink cans?

“This is far-fetched”, you may say. But the point is, if you universalize this argument, it becomes some extreme form of economic egalitarianism. Do you really support this? Maybe not. Maybe this argument is as “feel good” as the noble ideals. I don’t believe many who bought into that argument would really support a political system that makes sure everyone is equally materially wealthy, but culturally poor.

I think Brian brought out a very good point. The issue isn’t that students are being forced into helping out at YoG, but that the lack of volunteers is the problem itself. Certainly, it takes time away from academic studies, but how often do you get a chance to participate in an international sporting event and interact with youths from all over the world? Can you learn sportsmanship, perseverance, determination and all the intricacies involved in interacting with people from different cultures, by reading your text book and aceing your exam?

And to all the complaints about bad food and inconvenience: How do you become part of the world if you would not risk some inconvenience to invite others into your home?

To those who complain about the opening ceremony being another NDP with focus on Singapore’s growth: Every host country takes this opportunity to showcase their country’s history to the world – it’s the same with China and Greece when they hosted the Olympics. “Who cares about it?” If Singaporeans don’t, who would? I think Singapore actually went beyond, and showcased different elements of a larger Asian culture and some universal insecurities of youths.

On the lack of international coverage, the “cheap spin-off”, the lack of already-prominent athletes: If we really only do invest in the popular and entertain those with proven track records, we will become exactly the money and fame grubber we abhor.

The comments are an embarrasing display of Singaporean small-mindedness. At this point, it should be clear that the biggest benefit we will reap from hosting the YoG is no longer international recognition, but experience and education for our own people. One argued that the lack of a lasting effect from hosting the 1993 SEA Games illustrates the pointlessness of such endeavors. That also goes to show that, every now and then, we need something bigger and beyond to remind us that our capabilities, imaginations and minds are not as small as our geographical size.

That’s why we have to invest in arts, sports and grab at opportunities to host/participate in international events. There’s only so far that improving our amenities, social security and education systems can go. We need the beauty in art to inspire us, the challenges of sports to excite us, and the international interaction to show us what the rest of the world thinks.

I am hopeful, that maybe, just maybe one in every twenty of those youths who grugdgingly “volunteered” for the YoG will realize that he learned something important in this experience, that he will become inspired by a something beyond economic practicalities and his academic studies. I am hopeful that he will apply this enthusiam on his future endeavors, and pass the spark on to the people around him. Maybe we’ll find in one of these youths our next truly “made in Singapore” athlete.