Lyo and Merly to be mascots for inaugural 2010 Youth Olympic GamesSINGAPORE: The mascots for the world's first Youth Olympic Games in Singapore next year have been revealed.
One is a male Lion called Lyo and the other a female Merlion called Merly.
The mascots were officially introduced to much celebration at Suntec City on Saturday.
Doing the honours was Community Development, Youth and Sports Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, who brought along his three-year-old son.
A contest, won by two Singaporeans, was held to name the mascots.
Lyo is short for "Lion of the Youth Olympics," while Merly gets her name from "mer" meaning the sea, and "l" and "y" standing for liveliness and youthfulness.
Besides Singapore, the mascots will travel to five cities around the world as part of the global torch relay for the Games.
Dr Balakrishnan said: "It is an interesting play on fire and water and the lion and merlion. So there are aspects of which we clearly can identify with as Singaporeans, but really what we hope is these mascots will be embraced by Singaporeans as well as the visitors who come."
It took about six months to design the mascots. Plush toys of the mascots will go on sale at the official Olympic store at Takashimaya starting Sunday.
- CNA/sc
Source: Channelnewsasia.com
I actually got to witness this historic event when I was at Suntec last yesterday! I was walking around Suntec City when I suddenly heard Daniel Ong announcing that they were going to reveal the mascots. Being a typical kaypoh and kiasu Singaporean, I rushed to the area with my friends and took a video of the moment they revealed the mascots!!
Heng ah .. anyhow walk also can become part of history lol. It's the first ever mascot for the Youth Olympics ... Revealed in Singapore (the first ever host) and I was there!!
Sorry, I couldn't go to the middle to take the video as there were a lot of people who were more kiasu than me. I only took a few photos after taking the video and there are all around the same.
More about the 2 cute mascots ....
Mascot 1 - LYO
Star Sign: Leo (duh)
Dream: To win a gold medal in an international basketball championship (impossible for Singapore?)
Personal Motto: "Never say never"
Favourite Food: Chilli Crabs and Chicken Rice with lots of chilli (no chilli for me)
Fun Stuff: His paw is shaped like Singapore Island.
Star Sign: Aquarius
Dream: To become an environmental scientist
Personal Motto: "You can achieve anything if you pour your heart into it!" (how about striking toto)
Favourite Food: Ice Kachang (I love it too!!)
more info at Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games official site
Who do you like more? I think I like Merly more as she likes ice kachang. Youth Olympics, opening of the two IRs .... next year will be a very interesting year for Singapore. =) Too bad Singapore never reach world cup =P
Anyways .....
So what was I doing at Suntec with my camera with me?
I shall not reveal the reason till the next post but I will give you some clues.
I'm sure those who went will know what event I'm talking about he he ....
All shall be revealed 2 - 3 days later!!
(Images Taken From: My digital camera, Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games website)