Mdm Rasidah Bte Rahim,
Chef-de-Mission, Singapore Schools Sports Team,
Principal, Clementi Town Secondary School
Mr Leonard Koh,
Deputy Chef-de-Mission, Singapore Schools Sports Team
Principal, Marsiling Secondary School
Parents, Guests, Colleagues and Student-Athletes,
Good afternoon.
Introduction
1. I am delighted to be here with all of you here today, to wish our Singapore Schools contingent the best as they represent Singapore for the 14th ASEAN Schools Games (ASG) in Brunei.
2. To all student-athletes, congratulations on being selected for the team. You have worked hard, and you should be proud of this achievement.
Building Friendships Across ASEAN
3. Every year, the 10 member countries of the ASEAN Schools Sports Council (ASSC) take turns to host this multi-sport event and welcome student-athletes from across the region. In a world where international cooperation can no longer a given, the ASG is testament to the solidarity of our region. The Games foster a shared identity rooted in respect and friendship, through sports.
4. The ASG is also a platform for cultural exchange, build people-to-people connections, and a celebration of our region's diversity.
5. So, to our 130 student-athletes, I encourage you to use this opportunity to connect and build new friendships with friends from across ASEAN.
6. Be open and curious, and engage in meaningful conversations to learn about other cultures and traditions. You are not just our sporting representatives, but also Singapore's ambassadors. So, represent our country well both on and off the field, and share our nation's goodwill and friendship with your newfound friends.
7. These interactions will enrich your understanding of ASEAN and lead to lifelong friendships.
Building Friendships Across Schools
8. The ASG is also an opportunity for you bond with fellow Singaporean student-athletes from other schools. Most of you will already know each other from competing against one another during the National School Games or other club competitions. But this time round, you are all on same team - the Singapore Schools Sports Team (SSST). So, let's work together, help one another be the best in these games so we can represent Singapore well, together.
9. Take for example our ASG Basketball teams. We have many talented players from different schools and backgrounds coming together as one team.
- Marsya Alia Binte Sazali from Swiss Cottage Secondary School, the Girls Basketball Team Vice-captain said that when she first met her teammates from different schools, she thought they may not have much in common. Over time, as the team spent more time training together, talking together, and having meals together, she found that they had a lot more in common than they thought. But that's how it is. When we spend time together and work together, we become better together, as individuals, friends, and as a team.
Dream, Strive, Achieve
10. This year's ASG motto is "Dream, Strive, Achieve".
- That's exactly what is Jayden Liu, our ASG Badminton Captain and the lead oath-taker did. His love for Badminton started at age 2, when he was playing a version of it with sticks and a balloon with his parents. For years in primary school, he finished second, with victory always just out of reach. Jayden continued with his passion, and was inspired by national athletes like Terry Hee, Yeo Jia Min, and Loh Kean Yew, and dreamt of representing Singapore one day. And today, through persistence and sheer hard work, he is right here representing Singapore. Well done, Jayden!
11. Like Jayden, I am sure that all of you here today have had similar experiences where you worked hard, strived, and overcame challenges to get to where you are today.
12. Continue to dream, strive and achieve. And remember that achievement is not defined by the colour of your medal. Achievement is defined by being better today than yesterday, and being better tomorrow than today. And remember that, we are all behind you, and we are proud of you.
13. Last but not least, the most important part of the games is that you must remember to have fun. A big part of the games is the memories you will take away with you, memories you will form with your teammates and friends, memories that will keep you coming back, so that you can continue to dream, strive, and achieve. Both on and off the field.
Acknowledgements
14. Before I conclude, I would like our student-athletes to join me in expressing heartfelt appreciation to the people who have supported you in your sporting journey.
- Parents – for their sacrifices and dedication in walking the journey with you.
- Chef-de-Mission Mdm Rasidah, and Deputy Chef-de-Mission Mr Leonard Koh, who will be your mama and papa for the games.
- Team Managers and Coaches – for taking extra time to volunteer as officials to support our student-athletes.
Conclusion
15. To all our student-athletes, I wish you a memorable, enriching, and fun experience at the 14th ASEAN Schools Games.
16. Be good ambassadors of Singapore both on and off the field, and dream, strive and achieve. Wishing you all the best!
17. Thank you