Australian Horses for
Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games

Singapore’s latest permanent residents have arrived in the form of 38 Australian showjumping horses from Queensland, Australia. They have been specially procured for the equestrian competition of the Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games (Singapore 2010).

The horses hail from the small town of Kilroy in South East Queensland, which is home to Glen Haven Park, a state-of-art showjumping facility. Glen Haven Park is owned and run by celebrated showjumper, Ms Paula Harmood, who has taken on the role of head trainer to prepare the horses for Singapore 2010. Over the past ten months, the team at Glen Haven Park have dedicated time and effort to ensuring that the horses will meet the high standards of performing in an international sporting event.

After their arrival at Changi Airport, the horses were moved to the Singapore Turf Club Riding Centre, where they will be quarantined for the next two weeks.

According to Australia’s Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner to Singapore, Ms. Kirsten Sayers, “A decision was made to procure horses from Australia as they are lightweight and better suited to Singapore’s tropical climate. In addition to the horses, a group of Australian equine experts have contributed their expertise in areas such as show jump course design, track building and veterinary services, to help make the inaugural Youth Olympic Games a success.”

Australia is also making an important contribution to Singapore 2010 in other ways. Rebound Ace, an Australian establishment had joined the inaugural Youth Olympic Games as an Official Sponsor. The company provided a facelift to 14 court surfaces at the Kallang Tennis Centre – the official tennis competition venue, and six training courts at Nanyang Technological University.

Australian High Commissioner to Singapore, H.E. Mr Doug Chester said, “As a world-class city, Singapore is the ideal host for the world’s first Youth Olympic Games. With our longstanding and close relationship with Singapore, Australia is proud to be part of this exciting event. Our participation and support for the Youth Olympic Games is testament to the spirit of collaboration and sportsmanship which our countries share.”

Australia will be represented at Singapore 2010 by a full team of 100 young athletes, who will compete in 26 summer sports ranging from athletics to sailing. In addition, Jessica Mauboy, one of Australia’s top female artistes, will perform at the Opening Ceremony of the Games on 14 August 2010. The young indigenous singer is one of five international stars who have been chosen to sing Everyone, the Singapore 2010 theme song.