Monthly Issue 01 January 2009

Unsung Heroes of the Volvo Ocean Race
With a slogan "Life at the Extreme" and a competition spanning across oceans among fiercely competitive teams, it is no wonder the Volvo Ocean Race has drawn the attention of millions worldwide. This is the first time the race includes a route through Asia, as well as a first for Singapore, as a stopover.

The race has seen one of the closest fights for the lead on its third leg, with four teams, Telefornica Blue, Team Puma Ocean Racing, Ericsson 3 and Ericsson 4 all docking within 20 minutes of each other. Ericsson 4 commands the lead for the overall standings, with the winners of the third leg Telefornica Blue coming in second, and Team Puma Ocean Racing coming in third.
It's just a marathon?
Think again.
"I know I had to do it once in my life. As long as I set my mind to it, I can do it," says Mr Krishna, 38, a finisher of the full marathon at the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon that came to a grand close. To accommodate the increase in the number of participants this year, the race route was revised. Incorporating the iconic Benjamin Sheares Bridge and the Singapore Flyer for the first time, the aim was to deliver the best race experience on the event day.

Aqua Aerobics Makes A
Splash!
Are you praying to the stars to possess the lithe muscles of Brad Pitt or the svelte form of Angelina Jolie, without aggravating your feeble joints, or breaking into a stinky sweat? You might have just found your answer in Aqua Aerobics!

Performed in a pool where movements are synched with some upbeat music, no swimming skills are required for this fun and easy sport.
Singapore to host first ever Asian Youth Games in 2009
In half a year's time, Singapore will welcome about 1,300 young athletes from 45 National Olympic Councils (NOCs) for the first ever Asian Youth Games (AYG).

The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) has given Singapore the nod to host the multi-sport event for athletes aged between 14 and 17.

Top athletes will be here from 29 June to 7 July to compete in the 9 sports offered, namely athletics, aquatics (swimming and diving), 3-on-3 basketball, beach volleyball, bowling, football, sailing, shooting and table tennis.

Dear Readers,

2008 has been a rich and exhilarating time for sports fans. I remembered cheering with my
army mates in camp (I was on NS training) when we won the bid to host the first Youth Olympic Games in 2010...and then being immersed in the roar of F1 engines as the machines tore down our streets. And not to be outdone by the likes of Michael Phelps in Beijing, I did my bit to swim for SSC at the Public Service Swim Meet and re-lived my competitive days!

Well, those were some of the many highlights for me in my personal 2008 sports calendar... and it is with this in mind that I present to you a "Sports 1st every month" - The Play Times. Sent to you on the first of every month, the Play Times is for you, the ardent sports fan.

You can look forward to receiving updates on events and activities that you can participate in every month. This will help you plan a monthly itinerary to play, to compete and have a sporting lifestyle.

This monthly issue also promises to deliver an exciting and extensive round up on local sports at a glance. I hope you'll have a smashing time reading!

Happy New Year and Let's Play!

Bervyn
Sports Champ
01/10/09 – 01/18/09
01/11/09 – 01/11/09
01/17/09 – 01/17/09
01/17/09 – 01/21/09
01/30/09 – 02/08/09
For a comprehensive local sport events calendar, head to singaporesports.sg
Peach and Mango Smoothie
NUTRIENT ANALYSIS /
PER SERVE /
% ENERGY DISTRIBUTION
Energy (kcal)210 / –
Carbohydrate (g)43 / 80
Protein (g)9 / 18
Fat (g)0.4 / 2
Calcium (mg)307 / –
Iron (mg)0.6 / –
1/2 mango, chopped
1 cup low-fat milk
1/2 cup canned sliced peaches, drained and chopped
2 tablespoons low-fat plain yoghurt
1 tablespoon skim milk powder
2 teaspoons honey
2 ice-cubes

STEPS:
1.Place all ingredients into a blender. Process until mixture is smooth.
2.Pour into glass and serve immediately.

SERVE 2.
Preparation time: 10mins