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New man at the helm

SINGAPORE — The local sports community welcomed a new chief for the Singapore National Olympic Council (SNOC) last night at the body’s annual general meeting (AGM) at the Swissotel Merchant Court Hotel, with Minister for Manpower Tan Chuan-Jin taking over as president from Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean last night.

New SNOC president Tan Chuan-Jin (left) giving a photo book to DPM Teo Chee Hean. Photo: Ernest Chua

New SNOC president Tan Chuan-Jin (left) giving a photo book to DPM Teo Chee Hean. Photo: Ernest Chua

SINGAPORE — The local sports community welcomed a new chief for the Singapore National Olympic Council (SNOC) last night at the body’s annual general meeting (AGM) at the Swissotel Merchant Court Hotel, with Minister for Manpower Tan Chuan-Jin taking over as president from Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean last night.

Deputy Prime Minister Teo, who has served in the SNOC’s top post since 1998, said he did not seek re-election, citing the need for “new leadership to take SNOC and sport in Singapore to new heights”.

Teo also paid tribute to the many sports administrators with whom he had worked during his 20 years with the SNOC — he served four years as vice-president from 1994 to 1998 before he was elected president — including former secretary SS Dhillon and the late Lau Teng Chuan, a former sportsman and administrator who had worked with the Singapore Sports Council and SNOC.

“In the past 16 years, I have very much enjoyed being with the athletes through the many Games; to encourage them and help them develop and grow, to share their joys and successes, to stand with them through their pain and disappointments,” said Teo in his speech.

In April last year, Teo consulted the SNOC executive committee, which subsequently decided to co-opt Tan into the exco.

Added Teo: “(Tan) has spent much time getting to know you and our athletes. Many of you have got to know him and know what he can do for sports in Singapore. The fact that we are hosting the SEA Games next year provides a platform and opportunity for the new leadership in SNOC to work with you and realise our vision and dreams.”

With the SEA Games set to return to Singapore after a 22-year absence, Tan — who was elected unopposed to the position — is ready to get down to work immediately as the Republic looks to better its 50 gold medals achieved at the 1993 Games.

“I am looking forward to the Games, not just in terms of performance but in terms of hosting and rallying the people ... Team Singapore is not just about the sportsmen but every Singaporean getting behind the team,” said 45-year-old Tan, who is also an avid sportsman.

“(The SNOC) is in good shape and sports is evolving well. We will build on the strengths we have and continue to improve where we can. The Sports Hub is coming up and that’s always exciting when you have developments like that.”

Tan also aims to engage the national sports associations (NSAs), as he added: “We would like to work with the NSAs to make sure long-terms plans are in place to groom and develop talents that will be taking part in the next Games and the one after that and keep the cycle going.

“One of the things is to get to know the sporting community, visit the various NSAs to get to know the issues they are facing, the personalities ... and support them the best as we can.”

Team Singapore athletes including gymnast Lim Heem Wei, hurdler Dipna Lim-Prasad and former national bowler Remy Ong featured in a special tribute video to Teo, who was also presented with a photo book memento by Tan. Four vice-presidents — Dr Tan Eng Liang, Low Teo Ping, Annabel Pennefather and Jessie Phua — were also elected unopposed to the committee.

Former vice-president Ng Ser Miang stepped down from his post yesterday, but will remain in the executive committee in his capacity as an International Olympic Committee member. Voting for the three NSA representatives saw Nicholas Fang (modern pentathlon), Dr Melanie Chew (equestrian) and Milan Kwee (taekwondo) elected, while newcomer Edwin Lee was elected unopposed as treasurer of the SNOC.

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