Mark Chay on motion calling for clear and achievable goals for sporting success
“Sports is more than just a game. It is a powerful force that can shape a nation,” said NMP Mark Chay. Speaking in Parliament on Thursday (Jul 6), he said sporting achievements matter to a nation because they go beyond athletic prowess. “They embody the values, aspirations and spirit of our people,” he said. Mr Chay pointed out that Singapore has a good sporting ecosystem which balances Government, non-Government and private sector needs. “There is no perfect system in the world, but this is a system that works in Singapore, for Singapore,” he said. Mr Chay said he is excited with the commitment to continue to refine and realise the ambitions for High-Performance Sports over the coming decade. He stressed the need to focus on several areas. Firstly, provide access to facilities. He pointed out that many National Sports Associations (NSAs) and clubs need facilities to run programmes and urged the Ministry of Education to unlock its facilities for them. Secondly, continue to support athletes in their National Service journey. Mr Chay noted that the Ministry of Defence has started to engage directly with NSAs about its schemes to support sportsmen. He believes the schemes are fair and said the athletes have been very receptive to the flexibility given to them to train, prepare and compete. Thirdly, he stressed the need to take competitive sports beyond the school years. He urged SportSG to look at competitive sports as a lifelong journey. It should encourage silver leagues and masters competitions to give people a reason to stay active other than for health benefits. Fourthly, he highlighted the importance of parents in sporting success. Mr Chay said sports is important not only for individuals who participate in them, but also for society as a whole. “Sports has the power to bring people together, promote unity and understanding across cultures and national boundaries,” he said. It provides a common ground where people can connect and share in the joy of competition and achievements, fostering friendship and goodwill, he added.
“Sports is more than just a game. It is a powerful force that can shape a nation,” said NMP Mark Chay. Speaking in Parliament on Thursday (Jul 6), he said sporting achievements matter to a nation because they go beyond athletic prowess. “They embody the values, aspirations and spirit of our people,” he said. Mr Chay pointed out that Singapore has a good sporting ecosystem which balances Government, non-Government and private sector needs. “There is no perfect system in the world, but this is a system that works in Singapore, for Singapore,” he said. Mr Chay said he is excited with the commitment to continue to refine and realise the ambitions for High-Performance Sports over the coming decade. He stressed the need to focus on several areas. Firstly, provide access to facilities. He pointed out that many National Sports Associations (NSAs) and clubs need facilities to run programmes and urged the Ministry of Education to unlock its facilities for them. Secondly, continue to support athletes in their National Service journey. Mr Chay noted that the Ministry of Defence has started to engage directly with NSAs about its schemes to support sportsmen. He believes the schemes are fair and said the athletes have been very receptive to the flexibility given to them to train, prepare and compete. Thirdly, he stressed the need to take competitive sports beyond the school years. He urged SportSG to look at competitive sports as a lifelong journey. It should encourage silver leagues and masters competitions to give people a reason to stay active other than for health benefits. Fourthly, he highlighted the importance of parents in sporting success. Mr Chay said sports is important not only for individuals who participate in them, but also for society as a whole. “Sports has the power to bring people together, promote unity and understanding across cultures and national boundaries,” he said. It provides a common ground where people can connect and share in the joy of competition and achievements, fostering friendship and goodwill, he added.
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