President Tony Tan confident of S’pore’s medal chances in Rio
SINGAPORE — President Tony Tan Keng Yam has urged Singapore’s Rio de Janeiro-bound national athletes to do their best and fly the country’s flag proudly at the coming Olympic and Paralympic Games so they can inspire their fellow Singaporeans.
President Tony Tan (centre) and Singapore National Olympic Council president Tan Chuan-Jin (second right) with shuttlers Liang Xiaoyu (left) and Derek Wong (right), who will both be representing Singapore at the Rio Olympics. Photo: Robin Choo
Quiz of the week
How well do you know the news? Test your knowledge.
SINGAPORE — President Tony Tan Keng Yam has urged Singapore’s Rio de Janeiro-bound national athletes to do their best and fly the country’s flag proudly at the coming Olympic and Paralympic Games so they can inspire their fellow Singaporeans.
President Tan made this clarion call during his visit to the Singapore Sports Hub yesterday where he met with several national athletes at the various training venues.
At the OCBC Arena, he told national shuttlers Derek Wong and Liang Xiaoyu that their “mental ability is very important”.
“You are going there not only for yourself, but you are there as an inspiration to other Singaporeans as well,” said President Tan, who was accompanied by Singapore National Olympic Council president Tan Chuan-Jin, who is also the Minister for Social and Family Development.
“Try your very best, and aim high.”
President Tan also met Singapore’s para-swimmers Theresa Goh and Yip Pin Xiu, para-sailor Jovin Tan and para-equestrian Gemma Foo at the OCBC Aquatic Centre.
Adding that he hopes Team Singapore can get “a few medals” at the Games in Rio de Janeiro, he said: “I am confident that we will be able to do so but they need all our support and all our help to do this.
“And, as I said, I told the athletes and the para-athletes that they carry the hopes of all Singaporeans with them. So let’s all wish them the best of luck and support them all the way.
“They are up against tough competition, so they have to do their best.
“I am glad we now have a whole panel of people, (such as) coaches, (and) sports psychologists. Because at this high level of competition, every bit helps, and the mental aptitude is just as important as the physical aptitude.
“What is important ... is also the spirit that they show, in overcoming obstacles.
“For the Paralympians, in addition to the requirements of the sport, they all have to overcome their own handicaps as well. The fact that they can overcome these limitations and handicaps and are still able to perform at the very highest level is an inspiration to all Singaporeans.” ADELENE WONG
Stay in the know. Anytime. Anywhere.
Subscribe to our newsletter for the top features, insights and must reads delivered straight to your inbox.
By clicking subscribe, I agree for my personal data to be used to send me TODAY newsletters, promotional offers and for research and analysis.
