SEA Games spirit in 'Fighting Flying Flight'

One read: "I hope the SEA Games athletes win 10 gold medals, 6 silver and 4 bronzes. Good luck, don't give up!"

Another read: "I hope that Singapore will be the champions at the SEA Games and I hope I can be there to support Singapore. Come on Singapore, I know we can make it!"

These messages are part of "Fighting Flying Flight" - one of the five art installations (also known as community torches) unveiled yesterday at Cathay Green in conjunction with the 28th South-east Asia (SEA) Games Torch Up! Programme.

INSPIRED

Created by art educator Amanda Lim, along with students from Spectra Secondary School and disabled persons from Bizlink Day Activity Centre, "Fighting Flying Flight" was inspired by the process of birds learning to fly.

Made of plastic bags folded into the shape of birds, it is a celebration of resilience and perseverance.

"When birds learn to fly, they often struggle at first before finally taking flight," said Lim, 29.

"I hope this piece encourages people to persevere in the same way that athletes do."

She added: "The SEA Games spirit of resilience is something that everyone can relate to, not just athletes.

"We need to overcome setbacks and push on to reach our goal."

Another community torch that was unveiled yesterday was "Celebrate the Extraordinary", a six-metre tall artwork by professional artist Sun I-Yu. The piece resembles a human figure, and pays tribute to the diversity of the South-east Asian nations.

Said Sun: "I'm really happy to be part of the Torch Up! programme for the SEA Games.

"Art is my life inspiration, and I hope my art inspires other people to pursue their dreams."

Also launched yesterday was "Fields of Gold", which got its name because creator Nic. Ong had been listening to the Michael Bolton song of the same title.

Said Ong: "I thought it was a fitting name since our athletes will be aiming for gold this SEA Games."

A total of 30 community torches will be progressively unveiled in the lead-up to the eventual torch ceremony.

The first four were launched at Orchard Road last month, and 21 more will be revealed as the clock ticks down to the SEA Games here from June 5 to 16.

For more information on the 28th SEA Games Torch Up! Programme, pleast visit https://torchup.tly.sg.

This article was first published on April 27, 2015.
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