The ‘1st Asian Youth Games Singapore 2009′ have officially begun…and I am busier than ever. 

I am working a lot on site and assisting with media management at the soccer, beach volleyball, and sailing events. We have to make sure that they all are taken care of and stay within their boundaries. The journalists are usually pretty nice and cooperative, but we sometimes get some drama queens who complain about schedule changes and needing bottled water.

Fortunately, complimentary food and beverages are provided for the media (and those who work with them) so the media is happy and I get to enjoy some free meals which are most welcome with my intern income.

On top of all my media managing duties, I also have to help oversee all the media volunteers at the venues. These kids can be either be a big help or a huge liability, especially if they leave their posts and chat with media. But for the most part, we get along fine. 

I’m still new to this industry so it’s been a crazy crash course of PR learning while on the job with some trial and error. But I think that’s the best way to learn.

There’s so much to talk about but here are some highlights of my experience lately…

- The opening ceremony was on June 29th and was very elaborate (similar to the big one in Beijing last year). Lots of pyrotechnics and expertly choreographed dances by Singapore youth in colorful costumes.

- The H1 N1 epidemic has been hanging over our heads the entire time making PR all the more challenging. Athletes from the Philippines and Hong Kong were infected and the soccer teams were forced to withdraw. But Team Singapore was nice and played exhibition matches, “Friendship Cup games,” with the two teams before they left.

- Saudi Arabia and North Korea played each other in soccer on Sunday and it was INTENSE. There were injuries and yellow cards every few minutes, as the two tough teams clashed. North Korea eventually silenced a jeering crowd of Saudis with some super-accurate corner shots and tied the game (2-2). This was my favorite match so far.

- I watched Singapore make a valiant effort against Iran’s powerhouse soccer team. They ended up losing 2-1 but really played their hearts out. 

- During a press conference with Saudi Arabia’s Brazilian coach (really), the translator could only translate Portuguese to Spanish. I had to step in with my broken Spanish and translate to English for the local media. Never thought I’d need Spanish in Asia.

That’s all I can think of for now but more to come. We’ve only just begun…