X MARKS THE SPOT

Beijing, host of the 2008 Olympics, is 23 times the size of Singapore. Faced with that constraint, 2nd Sergeant (NS) Ellann Tan tells how venues are planned for the 2010 Youth Olympic Games (YOG).

Since April 2008 when he joined the Singapore Youth Olympic Games Organising Committee (SYOGOC), the 34-year-old Deputy Head of Venue Planning has explored the entire island of Singapore, searching for sports venues from Tampines Bike Park in the east, to training venues in the Nanyang Technological University in the west.

All competition and training venues were discussed and finalised, in agreement with the respective International Federations (IFs) and International Olympic Committee, explained 2SG (NS) Tan.

The SYOGOC confirmed the 18 competition venues for the inaugural Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games on 29 Apr. Before the venues were finalised, the Venue-Planning Committee had to ensure certain requirements were met, such as compliance with each of the 26 sports' IF specifications like venue size, infrastructure and accessibility for athletes and spectators.

Said 2SG (NS) Tan: "We also looked into clustering the competition venues to reduce the number of stand-alone venues and maximise the use of existing sports venues. Combining several sports in one location also allows us to minimise travelling time."

Other considerations for the venues included engaging Singaporeans from all walks of life through the use of heartland facilities such as Bishan Sports Hall, Sengkang Hockey Stadium and Toa Payoh Sports Hall.

Shrugging off the immense challenge of working within such a short time frame, 2SG (NS) Tan, who serves as a Medic Specialist in 692nd Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment, said: "My National Service stint taught me the importance of being disciplined and equipped me with essential organisational skills to do my job efficiently."

He added that his role in planning the venues had been a rewarding experience: "It's gratifying to know that I am contributing to Singapore s sporting history, and playing a part in the Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games which will help Singapore advance her sporting vision."