Snap Insight: Kallang precinct plans show sports will truly be front and centre at the hub

SUPPORTING SPORTING TALENTS

Beyond hardware, it was also encouraging to hear Mr Wong speak about the need to strengthen sporting culture in Singapore, including via the President’s Challenge where the community will be mobilised further to work with the government to nurture and support sporting talents, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

With President Tharman Shanmugaratnam an avid sportsman in his youth and a former combined schools hockey player, I look forward to seeing the President’s Challenge spurring on greater support for athletes across all sports in the near future.

In his speech, Mr Wong made a point to highlight that sports isn’t just about medals, but also about “grit and determination, doing your best and pushing your limits”, and having a “never-say-die” attitude, attributes that are important not just for sports but life in general, and success for a country in an increasingly complex and competitive world.

He also pledged to support “all Singaporeans in realising their sporting dreams”. Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Edwin Tong echoed this in a Facebook post describing the plans for Kallang as an effort to build “a hub for dreams – whether that’s setting a new national record or enjoying quality time with family”.