Before the Team Singapore Contingent sets off for the 25th SEA Games in Laos, The Play Times (TPT) Reporter caught up with some of the athletes at the official Flag Presentation ceremony on 9 November 2009 at Nanyang Polytechnic. The event was graced by Guest-of-Honour Mr Teo Chee Hean, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Defence and President of the Singapore National Olympic Council (SNOC), and Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports.
National shooter Ong Jun Hong is the Contingent’s Flag-bearer. The 21-year-old was hand-picked from some 200 other athletes vying for this coveted role. “This has got to be the proudest moment of my sporting career thus far, and I’m very grateful for this opportunity,” said the humble lad who is gunning for gold in the three events that he is competing in. For now, this NUS business undergraduate will be focusing on his examinations, which end just four days before he is due to depart for Laos.
Team Singapore is expected to perform well in events that are traditionally its forte, such as waterpolo and table tennis. And further excitement is lent to this edition of the Games with Singapore making her debut appearance in wrestling.
Waterpolo
This event continues to be in the limelight as it has always been at previous SEA Games. The team will be defending its SEA Games championship title, which it has been tenaciously holding on to since 1965. While three new faces will be making their maiden appearance, the rest of the team comprises seasoned athletes, with Luo Nan steadfast as Team Captain.
Wrestling
Sergei Beloglazov, team coach for the national team, commented, “We’ve been working hard for the past five months and are expected to do well. It will be a good test for everybody because freestyle (wrestling) is a new sport for Singapore.” Looks like our wrestlers are both physically and mentally all geared-up for the challenge. A good sign, a great start, for the new sport category.
Cycling
And in cycling, Dinah Chen, who also happens to be the only female in the team, is a strong medal contender as well. A member of the OCBC Cycling Team, Dinah is leveraging on her competitive experience as a former triathlete to help her ride home with a few medals in tow.
Boxing
At the same time, Singapore’s boxing team will make its return to the boxing ring at the SEA Games after a 14-year hiatus. The country will be sending two boxers to participate in the Lightweight and Featherweight categories this year. Don’t let their compact frames deceive you; they pack a mean punch when they don their gloves.
With just days to the Games proper, it is time to show your support for Team Singapore. The TPT Reporter has already sent his well-wishes online. What about you?
*Well-wishes can be sent via SMS, online or at the Team Singapore Well-wishing Road Shows. Log on to www.TeamSingapore.com.sg now for more information and stand to win attractive prizes at the same time.