ssc_marcomms posted on June 09, 2010 04:40
The POSB Everyday Champions for Sports Awards 2010 winners.(Photo:SSC)
More Singaporeans are stepping up to the plate, not only to embrace a sporting lifestyle themselves, but also to encourage others to be sporty. This evening, exemplary individuals and organisations who take the lead in promoting sports were honoured as winners of the POSB Everyday Champions for Sports Award 2010.
A total of 26 individuals, coaches and organisations received the award from Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Mr Teo Chee Hean at a ceremony held at the Singapore Marriott Hotel. The award is Singapore’s top sports inspiration accolade, recognising those who nurture a sporting culture among Singaporeans. The initiative is organised by the Singapore Sports Council and title sponsored by POSB.
"The POSB Everyday Champions for Sports Award is unique. It recognises those who champion sports involvement. The Award is an endorsement of their selfless efforts to shape a sporting culture," said DPM Teo. "Our Award winners do not seek the glory of winning. They are literally everyday heroes who find joy and fulfilment in spreading their passion for sports and in touching the lives of people through sports."DPM Teo cited the example of 47-year-old Gabriel Rao who, after becoming operations manager of a secondary school, set out to form a handball team. He chose boys with disciplinary problems - truants, street fighters and rioters. Through sports, Gabriel instilled discipline and self-esteem in the boys, keeping them away from wayward activities and coaching them to excel in education and sports.
Another winner, 52 year-old Ting Chung Hua, is a Chinese championing a sport played largely by the Malays. In his Pasir Ris neighbourhood, he is either cheering on his teams or recruiting players. He provides equipment, meals and transport, often digging into his own pocket. “Chung Hua is living proof that sport has the power to bridge cultural and ethnic divides. Sport can enable the community to forge common bonds through shared experiences, regardless of race, beliefs and background,” added DPM Teo.
From the coaches’ category, 46-year-old Scott Ng Kim Hwa, spends up to 10 hours each week coaching his team pro bono. The Vice-Chairman of Paya Lebar Constituency Sports Club also believes in building personal relationships with every single one of the 80 active members in his dragonboat club. From sending motivational emails to providing jerseys, Scott sees to every detail to show that he cares for his team’s well-being.
On the organisations front, Tan Tock Seng Hospital was among the winners. New employees are eased through a ‘Learn-A-Sport’ programme, while there are monthly walking adventures to places of interest for all to participate. Staff are encouraged to improve their health, relieve stress levels, and foster inter department bonding through a whole range of activities.
Commenting on the winners, SSC CEO Mr Oon Jin Teik said: "The nine individuals, nine coaches and eight organisations who have won the POSB Everyday Champions for Sports Award 2010 represent what's best about humanity--our inherent willingness to lend a helping hand to someone in need. They choose sports to make lives better, happier and more fulfilled. The joy and satisfaction of enriching someone else's life with a sporting experience is all the reward that they need, and the awards is our small way of saying thank you.”
Mr Rajan Raju, Group Executive of Consumer Banking Group, DBS Bank, said: “This award recognises the ordinary man in the street, and this resonates well with POSB as we are still affectionately known as Singaporeans’ people’s bank. These winners are our community role models who serve as an inspiration to all Singaporeans. By honouring their contributions, we hope to encourage more of our POSB customers and the public to be more active in sports.”
Winners will each receive a trophy, a certificate and tickets to watch the inaugural Youth Olympic Games with their friends or loved ones.