Lyo and Merly become Official Mascots for YOG 2010

Two Singapore students, Sean Pang Yi Wei and Tung Chi Jun, picked Lyo and Merly as possible names of YOG mascots, and were thrilled as the names were chosen and launched in an event held at Suntec Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre on Saturday, 21 November, 2009.

Amidst cheer and excitement, Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports and Mr Ng Mer Siang, Chairman, Singapore Youth Olympic Games Organising Committee (SYOGOC) were invited to unveil the mascots-Lyo and Merly. On that occasion, Mr Ng Ser Miang also presented tokens to Sean and Chi Jun.

Lyo stands for the ‘Lion of the Youth Olympics’. He symbolizes boundless energy, determination to live life to the fullest, and zeal to strive for excellence that is so readily available in the youth.

Merly got her name from “mer” (meaning the sea) and “l y” stands for liveliness and youthfulness. Both names propagate a strong identity of Singapore and promote the Olympic values of Excellence, Friendship and Respect.

The crowd was ecstatic when the mass dance with mascots was performed on the stage. To complement the festivities, Fairmount Singapore, the official hotel partner of Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games, designed and contributed a commemorative YOG Mascot Cake.

On top of that, sport demonstrations such as fencing, sumo-wrestling were performed in the arena to let public feel the spirit of the games.

In the coming months, Lyo and Merly will be appearing at many Singapore 2010 events to help create buzz and excitement.

Official Website: http://www.singapore2010.sg/

Written: Ulina
Edited: ksong
Photos: ksong

First YOG Merchandise Store is now Open!

“We hope to bring the spirit of the Games closer to the hearts of public through the introduction of the Official Olympic Store. Everyone can own a bit of history through the purchase of these merchandise to remember the Games by,” said Mr Goh Kee Guan, chief executive officer of SYOGOC.

And with that, Mr Ng Mer Siang, Chairman of SYOGOC and Mr Jack Chen, General Manager of Honav (the appointed Master Merchandise Licensee for Singapore 2010 YOG), proceeded with the ribbon cutting ceremony, opening doors to the first YOG merchandise store at basement 2, Ngee Ann City, on Sunday, 22 November 2009.

Fifty pairs of limited edition plush toys, bearing the names of the mascots were on sale during the grand opening. Other items available are collar pins, key chains, polo shirts, water bottles, umbrellas, bags, magnets with price range from SGD7.90 to SGD149.90.

Another outlet will be opening soon at ION Orchard in December this year, including selected post office and official online store. The full range of Singapore 2010 merchandise consists of around 500 designs and will be only available in batches before August 2010.

Official Website: http://www.singapore2010.sg/

Written: Ulina
Edited: ksong
Photos: ksong