By Christopher Ong

THE poor turnout at the Asian Youth Games (AYG) will not be getting much of a boost from schools.

Six of 10 schools The Straits Times spoke to are not making any special arrangements for their students to catch the action at the various venues.

They cited clashes with the schools' curriculum, examinations and fears over the Influenza A (H1N1) virus.

Since the Games started on Tuesday, several venues have seen paltry crowds. They include Bishan Stadium (athletics), Jalan Besar Stadium (football) and the Toa Payoh Swimming Complex (diving).

Early this week, only 500 seats at the 6,000-seater Jalan Besar Stadium were filled during the Singapore-Thailand football match, while about 50 spectators caught yesterday's volleyball action at Siloso Beach, which can take 500.

Said Goh Kee Yong, Catholic High School's head of department (HOD) for physical education: 'The fixtures take place during curriculum time. Maybe more of the events can be held in the afternoon, but I understand if it may not be possible to schedule it so.'

And a vice-principal from another school said: 'It's difficult for me to send my students down at present because of the H1N1 virus.' He explained that there are H1N1 measures in place that discourage mass gatherings.

But the four schools who did send some student-athletes wanted them to get a feel of a major competition or to support schoolmates who were taking part.

Queensway Secondary is doing its bit for the Games by paying for 87 students and teachers to watch football, athletics and basketball. Said HOD for PE Justin Lloyd Fernandez: 'We want them to watch high-level performances so they know what the standard is like.'

The Singapore Sports School dispatched over 300 students for the Singapore-China football match on Wednesday, as nine of the players are from the school.

Some schools feel they are already doing their part. They have teachers acting as liaison officers and their students are helping out at the Games Village.

Said one principal: 'Besides, the whole school turned out to celebrate the arrival of the AYG torch relay at the school.'

Additional reporting by Cassandra Lim

This article was first published in The Straits Times.