Singapore 2010’s Main Media Centre at Marina Bay Sands is open to welcome journalists from around the world ahead of the Youth Games, reports Channel News Asia. Organizers say it is one of the largest media centres for a sports event, accommodating 2,000 reporters, although 1,500 reporters are expected.
The centre has a work room with 150 work stations. There are 100 work stations for photojournalists and three press conference rooms, the largest able to accommodate 200 reporters. About 600 staff will be there to support the media.
There is also a media lounge with massage chairs.
The International Broadcast Centre for local and foreign broadcasters will run on a 24/7 basis.
Meanwhile Singapore 2010 and Atos Origin announced Tuesday that the Games IT systems have been successfully integrated, tested, secured and are ready to support the operations of the first edition of the event.
The IT project includes more than 2,000 computers, 250 servers, and 1200 network devices spread over more than 35 competition and non-competition venues. It must operate without any disruption in services during the duration of the Games which run from August 14-26.
The Singapore 2010 IT systems will be operated by more than 2,300 IT professionals and volunteers.
About 5,000 athletes and officials from the 204 National Olympic Committees, along with an estimated 1,900 media representatives, 20,000 local and international volunteers, and 320,000 spectators will be in Singapore for the event. Athletes ages 14 to 18 years will compete in 26 sports and take part in the Culture Education Program.
Channel News Asia reports Singapore 2010 is using a three-in-one prepaid card system to be used for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies which they call a “first” for any Olympic event. Each spectator will be given a special card which can be used to get into the venue, enjoy free public transport, and pay for services and goods at selected outlets. The card system replaces the usual paper ticket system.
The back of the card is colour-coded to indicate the section the spectator should be seated in and organizers have added features to prevent people from sneaking in.
Spectators will also be given a wristband to signify that they’ve left the compound.
As well as a collector’s item, Singapore 2010 say the card is still useful after the Games as a regular transit card.
Entry to the other venues will still require paper tickets.
