ssc_marcomms posted on October 01, 2009 09:00
National Coach for YOG Byte CII Squad, Mark Plummer, getting his new hair-do. Photo courtesy of Singapore Sailing Federation.
September 11 was a fun and memorable time for many on Coaches Day. Celebrations of, and for, our sporting heroes took an interesting twist this year. Veering from the conventional dinners, several National Sports Associations, clubs and athletes chose to show their appreciation to their coaches in a more sporting way. The TPT team had the privilege to participate in some of the many celebratory events that went on around the island.
The Singapore Hockey Federation staged an exciting match pitting coaches against umpires at the Delta Stadium. The hockey coaches were unstoppable as they thumped their opponents by 4-3.
Not to be outdone, the Football Association of Singapore organised a commemorative soccer game at the Jalan Besar Stadium, with the thrilling match seeing the coaches from the Singapore Football Coaches Association trouncing the Singapore Recreation Club by 2-1.
It was delectable homemade food, cheeky games and hilarious performances instead at the National Sailing Centre for the 28 sailing coaches of the Singapore Sailing Federation. The affable coaches sportingly engaged in sumo- and arm-wrestling competitions, which added to the hilarity of the celebrations there.
Island-wide, celebrations for coaches continued at various places, including the Chinese Swimming Club, Karate-Do Goju-Kai Singapore and the SAF Yacht Club. The TPT reporter was overwhelmed by the emotions that ran high as students showered their coaches with both words and gifts of appreciation. Some of the coaches honoured included POSB Everyday Champions Mr Alex Tung (Swimming and Triathlon) and Mr David Wong (bowling).
There were emotional expressions of appreciation, there were cards, there were dinners. Regardless of the form it took, the sporting fraternity gave voice to their gratitude.
Once again, kudos to all coaches. You are our mentor and our friend. You are our sporting inspiration.