Coming to your neighbourhood soon

SINGAPORE — If you live in Serangoon North or Ang Mo Kio, you could find yourself chatting with 2014 Commonwealth Games badminton silver medallist Derek Wong or Asian Games bowling champion Shayna Ng, respectively.

This is part of an initiative to help build interest and a following for this year’s SEA Games, which will be held in Singapore from June 5 to 16.

Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s One Team Singapore @ Orchard Road event as part of the countdown to the Games, Culture, Community and Youth Minister Lawrence Wong revealed at the Straits Times Athlete of the Year award ceremony that Singapore’s national athletes would be involved in community activities over the coming months to allow residents who live in their districts to get to know them better and hopefully, encourage them go to the competition venues to support them during the Games.

“We will be going out to the community to have roadshows, sports festivals. We will be bringing our athletes to the communities, we are linking up and connecting the athletes back to the communities and towns that they are from,” said Wong.

“So if an athlete grew up in Marine Parade, we will bring the athlete back to that community so the community will feel a sense of connection to the athlete and they can cheer for their hometown heroes.”

“It’s approaching the 90-day countdown to the SEA Games, so we are in the final stretch. What we’ve seen so far for ticket sales is better than expected, so I would say the momentum is steadily building up, (and) we will step up our efforts.

“We will do everything we can to build up that excitement, and we hope Singaporeans will take full advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

Singapore is hosting the biennial SEA Games, the region’s biggest multi-sport meet, for the first time since 1993, and will feature 402 events across 36 sports. More than 7,000 athletes and officials from 11 South-east Asian nations are expected to be here.

The SEA Games is also part of the SG50 celebrations marking Singapore’s 50th anniversary.

While details of the athletes’ community activities will be announced at a later date, those whom TODAY contacted welcomed the idea of connecting with their neighbours.

“My mum is a grassroots leader for Ang Mo Kio and an active volunteer in events and activities,” said Ng, who has lived in Ang Mo Kio all her life. “Three years ago, when they found out I won the AMF World Cup, the magazine wrote about me and I thought it was cool, and that helps me connect with the people (in my area).

“It’s important for Singaporeans to recognise that this SEA Games means a lot to us and that only by working together will the Games be a successful one. Many may think they don’t have a part to play, but they are wrong. Without their support, it won’t be complete.”

Added shuttler Wong, who won a silver in the men’s singles at last year’s Commonwealth Games: “I think it’s a great idea. People will be able to recognise the athletes they see on TV and feel more familiar with them. My family is quite close and friendly with our neighbours and we chat about badminton with everyone we meet.”

Republic Polytechnic student Deepanraj Ganesan, 20, is looking forward to supporting the athletes from his Toa Payoh neighbourhood.

“That’s how it also works for English football teams like Liverpool and Everton. If I see the athletes in my neighbourhood, and hearing they live there, it’s something I will bear in mind when I go to support them.”

While Marine Parade resident David Tay is happy to support his resident athlete Joseph Schooling, he believes Singaporeans will feel a stronger connection to athletes who hail from their alumni schools.

“Personally, them living in my neighbourhood has no significance for me,” said the life and conditioning coach. “I think school affiliation is stronger. Maybe they could bring Joseph to his old school or other schools in Marine Parade to talk to the kids, then invite people living around the area to come and meet him.