What can I say but Singapore has done it once again, not for creating more H1N1 cases in the nation, of course, but the commencing of the Asian Youth Games successfully. Still in the midst of all games, I can’t really tell anyone how many medals would our country won at the end of the day. However, what I want to convey to everyone is that many of us had play a part in this event and applause for all for the efforts to make this event successful.

As for me, I was helping out as a volunteer instead of a SSA staff in the Diving event, which falls on 30th June and 1st July 2009. Initially, I was not alright with the idea of helping out due to a few disapprovals from various parties in my life. Yet, after playing a role in the event, I felt that everything is still worthwhile after all.

My assigned position was to assist in the event’s scoring system. Sounds ‘chim’ (hard to understand) but simply, ensuring that the scoring system works perfectly fine via Bluetooth. Using the Omega timing system, we will convert its timing system to a scoring board, so judges could key in their respective scores once seeing the dives. Easy but the setup was complicated. Every single day, there will be a new problem to solve, a new answer for our question. We would receive morning scares at 8am and start to panic like mad but eventually, the problems are solved. Phew~!

Other than enjoying my assigned task with my new friends; Joellyn and Freddy; I get to meet other new people in the competition. From the gal who’s assisting in the broadcast area, to the commentators and pool deck officers, it’s a totally a new beginning for all to gather and enjoy ourselves, as well as working hard for the entire event. I still remember this gal from the Broadcast room, whose name is Grace. Hmm… Quite pretty gal but too bad she’s already been attached. Worst was, I did not manage to get her email address but at least, a friendship is once made. Probably next time we shall meet again. =]

At the end of the all diving events, everyone wants to take a dip in the diving pool. Actually, I went for a dive few days ago with some of the volunteers. First is the 3 metre springboard and soon, the 10metre platform. Though I had conquered the 10 metre platform for 3 times (overall), the fear of heights is still within me. When you climbed up to the 10 metre, you have the courage to do this and that. When you reach the peak, you take a glimpse of the water from your view and you get chickened out. Your heart will pounce madly and you get to see your body shiver. Not from the cold but the fear. Not only yourself, you get to see the rest shiver. Haha…

Taking deep courage, you jumped down and you scream. You thought it is like a simple jump into the water but it’s a bit longer. You have nothing to grab hold of even though you are afraid. In the end, you saw the water reaching to your legs and “GASH!!!” You are in the water now and parts of your body are hurting, especially your butt, since landing from such a high level. However, you felt excited and wish to conquer it again. The fun factor was there but so does the fear. Hence, yes, I did it 3 times throughout the diving event.

I had fun, a lot of fun. Taking pictures with the athletes is a way to remember the hard work we had done. Taking dives from different platforms and springboard heights makes you feel the thrill, as well as fun, since only divers are allowed to use the pool and not the public. We are indeed the exclusive ones. Last but not least, the injuries everyone suffered at the end of the day, from back pains (mine was from a 1 metre springboard. Imagine if its from the 10 metres platform… Faints~) to butt pains, every part is hurting. At least these hurts tells us that we did once put our courage and dare to do the impossible that we once thought of.

Like what a volunteer told me, the jump from 10 metres is like getting your freedom that you wish to pursue. As what he mentioned, ‘a simple life’, the dive has created inspirations for many. My inspirations? To be a good police officer, catch all the baddies and make sure that no one around me would receive hurt again. Nothing is impossible if you dare to dream.