Celebrations of sorts occurred at the National Stadium. Apart from being a sport related infrastructure, The National Stadium was venue for pop concerts to prestigious parades. As I pen this tribute, I hear the Chinook whirring across the skies proudly displaying the Singapore flag. They fly so low and it almost makes you feel like stretching your arm out to reach the flag. It may have been just a rehearsal for the National Day Parade but it’s a sight to behold and an event to look forward to. The National Stadium was venue to our celebrations of independence many times over.
I’m often asked to describe how I felt winning a medal for my country. There’s just no adjective appropriate but the best example I can think of that represents the emotion is hearing the National anthem and watching our flag glide across the sun lit hue of dusk. The awesome sight stirs up such pride and thrill of a colorful celebration of independence. The adrenalin rides high and the lump in the throat builds up as you make the effort to sing the anthem. It’s the most awesome experience.
Some of you may remember the pop concerts. Acoustics were not important. It was the madness of bogeying and jiving to your favorite pop group or singer. Yep, I was there at the Michael Jackson concert and am not ashamed to admit to the screaming. As weird as the man is, he moves like no one ever and I’d say no one in his era has the precision and perfection of a groove. I loved it!
Do you remember the 93’ Sea Games? I sure do coz one of my dreams came true. I had the honor to light the torch at the opening of the Games. What a special moment in my sporting life! I wear a grin on my face as I end this final installment of my tribute to the National Stadium. Talk about a lump in the throat. Reminiscing has brought back memories and nothing can ever erase that part of my life.
Whilst medals will be won and records will break; the old will make way for the new; the hardest act to follow is a venue that contained memories such as mine. You can never be replaced.
You were absolutely not my white elephant coz you housed my precious memories of a history I hold dear for the rest of my life.
The symbol of my sporting heritage is indeed The Singapore National Stadium. Goodbye!
Contributed by Grace Youn
Article migrated from original My Story Portal 2007.
Author. Mantou28