The IOC Sports and Youth Trophy 2008 has been awarded to Singapore’s Ministry of Education for its long and diversified support of recreational and competitive sports in the education system in Singapore. The MOE’s approach towards sports and education fully embraces the Olympic philosophy, set down by Pierre de Coubertin. The founder of the Modern Olympic Games clearly saw himself first and foremost as an educator when he said that “blending sport with culture and education, Olympism seeks to create a way of life based on the joy found in effort, the educational value of good example and respect for universal fundamental ethical principles."

The fruits of this philosophy can be seen in the school system’s resounding support of Singapore’s bid for the 2010 Youth Olympic Games; in the creation of Junior Sports Academies to identify and develop talent from the primary schools onwards; in its heartfelt participation in “Giving is Winning”, a humanitarian campaign by the IOC and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to donate sportswear and gear for international refugees; in its ongoing co-curricular sports programs that make sports available to every student in Singapore; and in the MOE’s highly successful Special Education Program grant that makes it easier for schools to introduce new sports to students.

All of these initiatives demonstrate the MOE’s awareness of and commitment to the ideals of the Olympic movement. Through sports participation, youth in Singapore and, indeed, the world, learn to communicate with each other with fluency and diplomacy. In sports, they share a common language even when they don’t share a mother tongue. They may come from vastly different cultures from different parts of the world but through sports they can celebrate what they have in common.

For recognizing the value that sports can bring into the lives of Singapore’s youth, the Ministry of Education is the very worthy recipient of this year’s IOC Trophy for Sports and Youth.
 

In recognition of his significant contributions to Singapore sports as well as his tireless efforts to promote Olympic Education in the school system, Mr. CANAGASABAI Kunalan has been awarded the 2007 IOC Sport and Promotion of Olympism Trophy.

Mr. C Kunalan is a sports icon in Singapore, who was a competitive athlete before he became a sports educator and administrator. He represented our country as a sprinter at the highest level of international competition, including the South East Asian, Asian and Olympic Games. He has served as the Honorary Secretary of the Singapore Olympic Academy since its inception and on various committees of the Singapore Sports Council, the Singapore Sports School and the Singapore National Olympic Council over the past 20 years. Moreover, Mr. Kunalan has been a strong personal advocate of the Olympic values of fair play and equal opportunity for all. As part of the Olympic Education program in Singapore, he speaks frequently to schools and sports clubs on the importance of sport in developing character. With his unflagging commitment and unquestionable integrity, Mr. Kunalan is one of Singapore’s finest ambassadors for sport.

Shortly before the launch of the 2006 Winter Olympic Games in Turino, Italy, the International Olympic Committee bestowed the Olympic Cup on Singapore in gratitude for Singapore's professional hosting of the 117th Session in July 2005. Mr. Teo Chee Hean, president of the Singapore National Olympic Committee, presented the Olympic Cup to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the 118th IOC Session in Turino.

The awarding of the Olympic Cup recognized Singapore's professional managing of the 117th Session. The five-day gathering for the vote on the 2012 Summer Games drew some 3,000 people to Singapore, including Olympic delegates, support staff and media. Led by Mr. Ng Ser Miang, the President of 117th IOC Session Organizing Committee, organizing the event was undertaken by the Singapore Sports Council, Singapore National Olympic Council and Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports. There was strong cooperation from across the various ministries and volunteers.

President SNOC, Mr. Teo Chee Hean presented Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong the Olympic Cup, which the IOC awarded to the people of Singapore in February at the 118th IOC Session in Turin, in recognition of Singapore's achievement in organizing the best ever IOC session.

The Olympic Cup was created by Pierre de Coubertin in 1906 and last presented in 2004 to City of Athens.

In recognition of his commitment to sports, community and country, IOC Executive Board member and Vice President of Singapore National Olympic Council, Mr. Ng Ser Miang was awarded the IOC Trophy, ‘Sports and the Community’ for his leadership role in bringing the 117th Session of the IOC to Singapore in July 2005. The vote for the 2012 Summer Games was decided at the 117th Session, and Singapore’s hosting of the event ensured our country’s place in the international sports history.

On March 8, 2005, Annabel Pennefather was awarded the IOC’s ‘Women and Sport’ Trophy for Asia in recognition of her work to develop, encourage and strengthen the participation of women and girls at all levels in sports. Pennefather captained Singapore’s national hockey team for 10 years before moving into various sports administration roles. She became the first woman president of the Singapore Hockey Federation and officiated at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games. Pennefather sits on several committees for the SNOC and most recently was Chef de Mission for the Asian Games in Doha.

In recognition of their many victories at the Asian and South East Asian Games, the National Water Polo Team was awarded the IOC Trophy for ‘Sporting Excellence’. The team has won 19 consecutive gold medals at the SEA Games since 1965.

At the Asian Games, held every four years, the National Team has won six medals, beginning in 1951 in New Delhi with a silver medal, a gold in Manila in 1954, a silver in Tokyo (1958) and bronze medals in Jakarta (1962), Bangkok (1978) and Seoul (1986).

NTUC Income Insurance Cooperative received the IOC ‘Sport & Well Being’ Trophy for its ongoing promotion of the positive effects of sport on physical and mental health.

Dr. Jacques Rogge, President of the International Olympic Committee conferred the Olympic Order in Gold to Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong on October 27, 2001.

The Singapore Amateur Swimming Association (SASA) also received the IOC Trophy for ‘Sport & Volunteers’ in recognition of its success in developing a base of volunteers for the swimming community. A solid base of volunteers bodes well for consistent achievement in excellence, sound management and good governance and sustained development programmes.

This trophy is presented to heads of state to illustrate the entry of sport into the 21st century. It symbolizes the crossing the threshold of the year 2000 to victory and success. RAdm Teo Chee Hean, President SNOC, on behalf of the IOC, presented the trophy to His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Singapore, Mr. S. R. Nathan.

Sports organizations receive this award in recognition of their commitment and contribution to the universal promotion of Olympism and sport. The trophy was awarded to the Singapore Sports Council for its comprehensive promotion of sport programmes such as sport for all, sport excellence sports for women and sports for life and fitness. The SSC also has ensured that facilities have been developed to keep pace with the sports needs of the people.

Mr. Lee Fong Seng, Principal of Raffles Junior College, received the 1999 IOC Trophy for ‘Sports & Education’. Mr. Lee has been Chairman of the Singapore Schools Sports Council since 1991. Under his leadership, the number of competitive sports in schools has increased. With the co-operation of the National Sports Associations, several development schemes for youths have also been developed. His excellent contacts with Asean counterparts ensured that Singapore's young talents were given the opportunity to compete with their contemporaries in Asia.

The 1998 IOC Trophy for ‘Sports Ethics’ was presented to Mr. Woon Sui Kut for his commitment and contribution in swimming locally, regionally and internationally.

Mr. Goh Yong Hong is the Vice President of the SNOC since 1986 and sits on its Executive Committee, Selection Committee and Awards Committee and a Council Member of the Singapore Sports Council since 1978. He has been the President of the Singapore Amateur Swimming Association since 1985. Under his leadership the swimming contingent and water polo team have been been consistent winners at the SEA Games. For his dedication and contribution to the Olympic Movement and Sports for All, he was awarded the prestigious IOC Sport for All Trophy.

The IOC ‘Centennial Olympic Games’ Trophy, 1996, was awarded to Mr. Ng Ser Miang. At the time of the award, Mr. Ng was the Chairman of the Singapore Sports Council. He is also the Vice-President of the SNOC and Chairman of the Singapore Olympic Academy. His international appointments include Vice- President of the International Yacht Racing Union and President of the Asian Yachting Federation.

Mr. S.S. Dhillon was presented with the Olympic Council of Asia's highest award for his contribution to sports in Singapore and Asia. Mr. Dhillon was Secretary-General of the SNOC for 24 years (1972-1996).

The 1995 IOC ‘Olympic Movement Unity’ Trophy was presented to Dr. Tan Eng Liang for his invaluable services to Olympism. Dr. Tan is one of those rare individuals who has excelled in sport, academics, business and politics – all with equal aplomb. He represented Singapore at the Olympic Games in Melbourne and gained reputation of being the best goal-keeper. At the Asian Games in Tokyo, he helped his team win a Silver medal, and was Chairman of the Singapore Sports Council for 16 years (1975-91). He is currently Vice-President of the SNOC and Chairman of its Special Training Assistance Committee. He has also served the SNOC as Chef de Mission to Olympic, Asian and SEA Games.

The 1994 IOC ‘Centennial Trophy’ was awarded to Dr. Yeo Ning Hong for his contribution to sports and to the promotion of the Olympic Spirit of ‘Citius, Altius, Fortius’ in Singapore. Dr. Yeo was vice president of the SNOC from 1982 and president from 1990.

Ms Annabel Pennefather was presented with the 1990 IOC Award for her outstanding contribution to Olympism. She was the President of the Singapore Women's Hockey Association and Vice-President of the Singapore Hockey Federation. She has been involved in promoting hockey for many years.

Dr. Giam Choo Keong is the pioneer of Sports Medicine in Singapore. The SSC Sports Medicine Unit was set-up by him. He has led his medical staff very efficiency. Dr. Giam has served our Singapore sportspersons at home, SEA and Asian Games. He is also an acknowledged expert in sport medicine and good organizer of international sport medicine seminar

The IOC Award for Best Journalist of the Year (Singapore) was presented to Mr. Tan Tee Eng.

Mr. Tan Howe Liang was awarded the IOC Silver Pin (1988) for his Silver Medal performance at the 1960 Olympic Games.

Mr. Ang Peng Siong was presented with the IOC Award for excellence in sports & studies.

Mr. E W Barker, former Minister for Law and President of the Singapore National Olympic Council (SNOC), was the first Singaporean to receive an award from the IOC. Mr. Barker was awarded the Olympic Order (Silver) for his outstanding contribution to sports causes and his fidelity to Olympic ideals.