By Justin Kor

Singapore could soon be hosts to a brand new Olympic event again.

More than a decade after staging the inaugural 2010 Youth Olympic Games, the Lion City is poised to host the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) latest major product once more: the first Olympic Virtual Sports Festival in 2023.

This possibility was raised by IOC President Thomas Bach, who was on a one-day visit to the country last month.

“We would be very pleased to have the inaugural Olympic Virtual Sports Festival here in Singapore,” he said at a luncheon hosted by the Singapore National Olympic Council for the country’s sports fraternity at the Skai Suites in Swissotel The Stamford. It is his first visit here since being elected IOC President in 2013.

It is hoped that just as how Singapore paved the way for the YOG to be a mainstay on the Olympic calendar, it can do the same for the IOC’s newest event too. “You were a trailblazer with the YOG and maybe you can be a trailblazer again with the Virtual Sports Festival in 2023,” said Mr Bach.

In his remarks, he had noted how Singapore was driving the change for sports. With e-sports ascendant in recent years and technology increasingly permeating the sporting world, the country has also been quick to jump onto the digital trend. Similarly, the IOC must also follow in this vein of being agile to change.

“In this fast developing world, you either change or be changed,” he said. “Singapore is one of the most dynamic countries in Asia and the world,” he said. “You’re never getting complacent, never standing still. This is something that the IOC wants to follow.”

The festival will be part of the Olympic Virtual Series, the global competition launched last year with more than 250,000 participants from over 100 countries, said the IOC in a press release.

The IOC added that it is in “early discussions” with SNOC to host the festival in early 2023.

Mr Bach has been made well-aware of what Singapore can bring to the table if it is chosen to host the virtual sports festival. His visit saw him attending a presentation on virtual sports at the National Stadium where he witnessed first-hand how digital tools like VR headsets and motion-tracking devices could hone the lightning-fast strikes of taekwondo and accuracy of archery.

“Singapore is also driving the change with regards to e-sports and virtual sports. The IOC is very much impressed with this progress,” he said, noting how the vast support of the Government, business communities and society in general has helped Singapore excel in this field.

A long-lasting impact

But Singapore’s digital capabilities was not the only thing that impressed Mr Bach. At the luncheon, he had also praised the country’s decisive sporting contributions over the years, such as hosting the inaugural YOG. He lauded how the event had reflected the pioneering, can-do spirit of the sporting movement in the country.

“You’ve also understood that the Olympic Movement is more than just sport,” he said, noting how the YOG’s legacy here has since inspired young athletes to apply the Olympic values in their lives.

In recognition of these contributions, he presented Singapore National Olympic Council (SNOC) President Tan Chuan-Jin with the IOC President’s Trophy – a prestigious accolade for international contributors to the Olympic Movement.

Speaking at the luncheon, Mr Tan had also commended how the Olympic Movement has had a lingering, influential presence in Singapore.

“The Olympic Movement has made an impact in all our lives here, and continue to inspire Singaporeans every day,” he said. “The lives, exploits and stories of our Olympians, Youth Olympians, athletes and many others, has helped shape our nation’s identity.”