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ssc_marcomms posted on September 01, 2009 09:00 
From top left to right: Alex Tung, David Wong and Ang Peng Siong
It is time to show your appreciation to your coaches as Coaches Day is here once again. Inaugurated in 2007, September 11 is the day when we celebrate these champions of sports who are the heroes in the stories of many successful athletes and sports enthusiasts.
We have heard many accounts of dedicated coaches who go the extra mile for their charges, some that will warm your heart and some that will further inspire you to play sports. The Play Times would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to these outstanding coaches.
Ang Peng Siong, 47, Swimming Coach
A familiar household name that Singaporeans already know so well. From becoming the world’s fastest freestyle swimmer to a committed swimming coach, Peng Siong pursues his lifelong passion, swimming, with whole-hearted devotion.
Referring to his father as his inspiration, this dedicated coach places emphasis on instilling the same passion and commitment in his athletes. Even though he agrees that his is a job that can prove to be tough at times, the sense of fulfillment that comes from the success of his charges continues to keep him motivated.
Citing a particularly memorable moment at the Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) in 2001, Peng Siong was ecstatic when his charges hauled in 18 medals, with seven golds in the Men’s swimming events. That moment was particularly sweet, as it broke an eight-year hiatus in the gold medal haul in the Men’s events since 1993.
David Wong, 27, Bowling Coach
Do not let his age fool you. He may be young but he is definitely an accomplished coach. Having been a national bowler for more than nine years, David relishes having found the perfect job as a bowling coach.
He led the Singapore University Team to sweep six gold medals at the 14th ASEAN University Games held in Malaysia last year. Similarly, his Singapore Institute of Management bowling team swept five out of the six gold medals up for grabs at the Singapore University Games 2008.
Voted as one of the top three favourite POSB Everyday Champions in the Coaches Category, David’s student, Mr Toh Tze Keong, who is also a part-time coach, has nothing but glowing words of praise for him. “Despite having a team of 12 to 20 in each tournament, David would still ensure that he gives dedicated attention to each one of us,” says Toh.
Alex Tung, 44, Swimming and Triathlon Coach
Nothing gives Alex more satisfaction than seeing his aqua-phobic students conquer their fear of water and take the plunge. And it was this bunch of happy students who created a brouhaha at the Changi Airport during the send-off of Alex and four of his students to the Ironman China in March 2009.
Joy Tay is one such student who is greatly appreciative of Alex’s coaching efforts. A teacher herself, Joy finds that besides the improvements made on her swimming techniques, Alex’s good practices had also helped her to improve on her own area of work.
Affectionately known as the “Sea-Monsta”, Alex’s foray into coaching stemmed from his love for swimming. His coach, the late Mr Kee Soon Bee, had also been a positive influence on him. Even though the Sea-Monsta may look like a tough cookie, this POSB Everyday Champion has nothing but words of encouragement and friendship for his students.
* We salute these spirited heroes for their passion and commitment to shaping the athletes of our future and ultimately, to shaping a Sporting Singapore. Take this opportunity to show your heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to your coach, who is also your mentor and friend. Regardless of whether you are an individual, a team or even a sports association or club, brighten up your coaches’ day this 11 September with a simple word of thanks, a pat on the back or surprise them with a meaningful celebratory event. It does not matter how or where you show your appreciation as long as you make their day!
The Singapore Sports Council would like to wish all our coaches a Happy Coaches Day!
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