| Speech at Play On, Bishan Junction 8
Senior Grassroots Leaders, Members of the Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC Youth Executive Committees, Participants of Play On, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am very happy to join you this evening at Play On 2009 and be part of this exciting programme. The performances by all the bands have been brilliant! I am also delighted to see many of you here showing your support for the participating bands.
Organised by the Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC Youth Executive Committee, Play On is a platform for budding talents like you to showcase your musical talents. This is a band competition for the youths by the youths, and it is your passion and support which drives this band competition each year.
I am heartened to know that, since we started this competition in 2007, more bands have come forward to participate. This is indeed an encouraging sign and I hope that this passion for music amongst you will always remain. Please continue to spread the word about Play On in your circles and encourage your friends to take part in this band competition next year.
I am also glad to see the support extended towards Play On 2009 from corporate sponsors - Junction 8, Converse, Yamaha, Express in Music and The Shooting Gallery. Your support has indeed contributed significantly to the success of the event this evening.
Apart from music, I am sure another passion of youths is sports. And I would like to take this opportunity to share briefly on the Singapore Youth Olympic Games. Just as Play On creates an opportunity for budding local musical talents, the Singapore YOG also creates opportunities for Singaporeans, especially youths, to be more active in sports and be part of an international, historic event that will leave a legacy for Singapore and youth around the world. As the Chairman of the Singapore YOG Community Outreach Advisory Committee, I would like to invite all of you, young and old, to participate in related activities and, most importantly, to celebrate the Games.
One such community-related activity is "SING! Singapore 2010", a song project which aims to celebrate Singapore YOG through music and creative expression. The songs can be written in English, Chinese, Malay, Indian or any other languages and should celebrate Olympism and promote the Olympic values of Excellence, Friendship and Respect. Selected songs may be played at Singapore YOG-related events or competition venues and community events held in celebration of the YOG. To all finalist bands present this evening, this is an excellent opportunity to put your music skills to good use. I hope you will take up the challenge and present your songs for this meaningful event, which I am sure will inspire the young people to embrace, embody and express the Olympic values.
I am pleased to announce that the three bands will receive top honours this evening. My heartiest congratulations to all Award recipients! To those who did not receive any awards tonight, do not be discouraged. As music lovers who have passionately invested your time to participate in this competition, all of you present here are winners in your own right!
Last but nto least, I would like to congratulate the Organising Committee for an excellent job in organising Play On, not just once but three consecutive years and making it bigger each year. I look forward to more meaningful youth-initiated projects and, of course, more participation and support from youths in such programmes.
I wish everyone a wonderful evening ahead. Thank you!
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