SEA Games Venue Managers deserve recognition

It was my great privilege to be able to volunteer at the Singapore Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in 2010, and at the recently concluded SEA Games.

Some discounted the benefits of holding the YOG back in 2010, but I believe it has had a positive impact on Singapore and on us as individuals.

Singapore’s hosting of the YOG remains the gold standard. And at least 50 of us have returned to serve this year at the SEA Games because of the positive experience we had at the YOG. Under the care of five exemplary individuals, we came to understand that it was worth volunteering to make a difference and serve our country.

The SEA Games also had its fair share of role models. I would like to highlight the SEA Games Venue Managers, who went through sleepless nights to make sure the operations were a success, while taking care of the volunteers and motivating them to proudly serve Singapore.

They include Ms Chow Peck Chee, Ms Loong Lai Yoong, and Ms Ellen Teoh. I’d also like to single out Ms Anuradha Shroff and Mr Selva Kumar, who treated the volunteers respectfully — more so than others in their positions — and motivated us in a heartfelt, inspiring way.

As volunteers, we hope leaders like them will receive due recognition from the Government, for bringing glory to our nation through their extraordinary service.