SPEECH BY MR CHAN SOO SEN, MINISTER OF STATE FOR EDUCATION, AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE 11TH ASEAN SCHOOLS GYMNASTICS CHAMPIONSHIPS ON MONDAY 16 AUGUST 2004 AT 9.00AM AT THE BISHAN SPORTS HALL

Dignitaries and representatives from the foreign embassies and high commissions, delegates and representatives from member countries of the ASEAN Schools Sports Council, ladies and gentlemen,

Good Morning

1      It is indeed my pleasure to be here today for the Opening Ceremony of the 11th ASEAN Schools Gymnastics Championships 2004.  I would like to welcome the 73 participants and 39 officials from 5 participating countries (Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and Singapore) to this Championship. I would like especially to welcome the first time visitors to Singapore.   

2      I am very happy to note that Singapore hosted the inaugural ASEAN Schools Gymnastics Championships in 1981, and we feel privileged to have the honour to host the 11th Championship this year.

3      Gymnastics is a sport pursued by many as it requires precision in the execution of skills.  To reach high levels of performance, the gymnast needs to develop qualities like discipline, perseverance, determination, boldness, agility and flexibility.  The gymnastic events in the Olympics attract wide viewership on TV as viewers appreciate the hard work put in to produce the fluid and well co-ordinated movements. 

4      I have been told that in recent years, the standards of gymnastics in ASEAN countries have shown considerable improvement and we should all be proud of these rising standards.  I am sure that the biennial ASEAN Schools Gymnastics Championships organised by the ASEAN Schools Sports Council have in some way contributed towards the rising standards.  Effort is put in to make each championship better than the one before.  In this championship, for example, Rhythmic Gymnastics events have been included for the first time. 

5      The ASEAN Schools Sports Council deserves accolades for its efforts in raising the standards of not only gymnastics but the overall standards of school sports in the region. Regional competitive events like this are excellent opportunities for top school athletes to pit their skills against one another. It is through such rigorous competitions, that the best of our young sporting talents could hone their skills and display their prowess. The invaluable experience gained through ASEAN School Sports events will prepare our athletes well for international competitions of a higher level later in their careers.

6      Besides the promotion of sports, ASEAN Schools events also help to foster goodwill and understanding amongst youths in the ASEAN region.  This will in no small way contributes towards the friendship in the region.  My congratulations to the Singapore Schools Sports Council for successfully organizing this event. 

7      To the participants, I would like to urge you to give your best effort during this championship and compete in the true healthy spirit of sportsmanship and fair play.  Certainly, you can pit your skills and talents against your opponents, but you should also build close ties and camaraderie with one another outside of the sporting arena.  You should take this opportunity to make new friends so that you can appreciate and understand the rich diversity of cultures in the ASEAN region. 

8      I would like to take this opportunity once again to extend a warm welcome to all officials and participants.  I wish all of you the very best in this championship and hope that you will have a pleasant stay and experience in Singapore.  Do enjoy yourselves, as I am sure that over the next few days you will have an exciting and memorable time. 

9      It is now my pleasant duty to declare the 11th ASEAN Schools Gymnastics Championship 2004 officially open.

        Thank you.