The 1993 Southeast Asian Games, officially known as the 17th Southeast Asian Games were held in Singapore from 12 to 19 June1993 with 29 sports in 440 events featured in this edition. This was the third time Singapore hosted the games after 1983 and 1973 competition. It was opened by PresidentWee Kim Wee. The Games featured 29 sports in 440 events.[1] The final medal tally was led by Indonesia.
Development and preparation
An organizing committee for the Games was formed with Yeo Ning Hong as the president.[2]
Singa, the lion, the official mascot of the games.
The logo of the 1993 Southeast Asian Games is an image of a lion, which represents Singapore with the nickname, the lion city as the host of the 1993 Southeast Asian Games. The colours of the lion, blue, yellow, red, black and green are colours of the Olympic movement and represents the Olympic and sportsmanship spirit of the participating athletes in which the important thing is not to win, but to take part. The six-ring chain, the logo of the Southeast Asian Games Federation, represents the six founding nations of the Southeast Asian Games and the Southeast Asian Games itself.
Mascot
The mascot of the 1993 Southeast Asian Games is a lion named, Singa. It has heart-shaped mane, snout and tail which represent the hearty welcome of athletes to the city.[10][11]
Torch
The torch of the 1993 Southeast Asian games resembles that of a sword mounted with a lion's head.
The opening ceremony begin with a countdown called as "Countdown" from 20 to 1 all countdown clock at the SEA Games sports screen from 10 to 1 voice: Twenty, Nineteen, Eighteen, Seventeen, Sixteen, Fifteen, Fourteen, Thirteen, Twelve, Eleven, 10 (Ten), 9 (Nine), 8 (Eight), 7 (Seven), 6 (Six), 5 (Five), 4 (Four), 3 (Three), 2 (Two), 1 (One) and officially launched the logo of 1993 Singapore SEA Games with the first segment "Welcome to Lion City" a song written by Singapore Symphony Orchestra. Volunteers held large, five-foot balloons, each with a ribbon banner attached with the word "Selamat Datang" (Malay), "欢迎" (Mandarin), "வரவேற்பு" (Tamil) and "Welcome to Lion City" (English) written in all four languages.
Dr Yeo Ning Hong, President of the SEA Games Federation, gave an opening speech which was followed by President of Singapore Wee Kim Wee announcing the official opening of the Southeast Asian Games.
The SEA Games Federation flag was carried into the stadium by eight Singapore athletes. The flag was then raised with the SEA Games anthem playing. The torch with the SEA Games flame entered the stadium and was passed to Ng Xuan Hui, Singapore's Sportgirl of the year. She then handed the touch over to Tan Wearn Haw, who passed it to Benedict Tan. Tan passed the torch to bowler, Grace Young, who ran the last 100 meters to a cannon. She lit the cannon with the SEA Games flame which "shot" a "projectile" towards the SEA Games Cauldron which was then lit by the "projectile".[12]
Swimmer Ang Peng Siong and Singapore Amateur Swimming Association secretary Woon Sui Kut took the Games pledges on behalf of the athletes and officials.[13]
Various artistes from the participating countries performed on stage.
The opening ceremony concluded with the exit of President of Singapore, Wee Kim Wee.
At the end of the closing ceremony, there was a final fireworks display around the Singapore National Stadium grounds. The closing ceremony ended at 20:30 SGT.
A total of 1048 medals, comprising 319 Gold medals, 318 Silver medals and 411 Bronze medals were awarded to athletes. The host Singapore's performance was their best to date and placed fourth overall amongst participating nations.
1 Formerly known as Southeast Asian Peninsular Games from 1959 until 1975. 2 Cancelled due to hosting issues and due to the Vietnam War. 3 Postponed to 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
