SINGAPORE — They may all hail from different sporting backgrounds, but for wushu exponent Jowen Lim Si Wei, volleyball player Lau Ee Shan and floorball player Kumaresa Pasupathy, the ingredients for their successes in their respective sports are the same: Hard work, discipline and strong support from their families and coaches.

The trio were among the 44 students from 17 schools who were named the Best Sportsboy and Best Sportsgirl in their respective sports at the 45th Singapore Schools Sports Council (SSSC) Colours Awards which was held at St Theresa’s Convent today (Sept 18).

The awards were given out based on the achievements of students in their respective sports as well as their exemplary conduct both on and off the field of play.

In total, 8,111 students received colours awards this year. However, unlike previous years, no overall Best Sportboy and Best Sportgirl awards were given out. Instead, Best Sportboy and Sportgirl awards were presented for each of the 28 sports.

The Ministry of Education explained in a press release that this was to recognise the “inherent differences across various sports” and the fact that each sport has “its own unique features, opportunities and pathways”.

For Nanyang JC student Ee Shan, the award was a reward for all the hard work she has put into her sport the past year.

“It’s a pleasure to get this award as it recognises my commitment to my sport,” said the NYJC school team captain.

Ee Shan, who also represented Singapore at the 2014 ASEAN School Games, said time management has been key to her success.

“It was really tough to cope at times,” said the second-year student. “I have school training three times a week so I’ve had to find blocks of time in between my classes and training schedule to study.”

She added that support from home was a big help too. “I am blessed to have a supportive and loving family. Every time I am tired, they never fail to motivate me to press on.”

Anderson Secondary School student Jowen, who won a team gold medal in the men’s duilian weapon at this year’s South-east Asian Games, agreed.

Referring to the challenges he faced coping with school work and a rigid training schedule, the 16-year-old said: “Two weeks before the SEA Games, I had to stop going to school and stay at the Games hotel to get used to the environment. I had training twice a day and that made it all the more difficult to catch up with my studies.”

For 19-year-old Kumaresa who was part of the floorball team that won the gold at the SEA Games, what kept him going this year was a saying from his coach Yeo Kai Xiang. “When everything does not go the way you want it to go, discipline starts to kick in, Mr Yeo always used to tell me that whenever I faced the toughest of challenges,” said the Anglo-Chinese JC skipper.

“Being captain also taught me to respect everyone and fear no one. As long as you are well prepared, put in effort and have fun, you don’t have to fear anyone.”

“My family has also been very supportive of my love for floorball. Although they do tell me to focus on my studies, they never fail to encourage me for competitions.”