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 November 23, 2005 -- Singapore will be sending a contingent of 367 athletes to compete in 32 of the 41 sports. Singapore's athletes will be competing in Aquatics, Archery, Athletics, Badminton, Billiards & Snooker, Bowling, Bodybuilding, Canoe/Kayak, Chess, Cycling, DanceSport, Dragon Boat, Equestrian, Fencing, Football (Men), Golf, Gymnastics, Judo, Karate-do, Lawn Bowls, Petanque, Rowing, Sailing, Sepaktakraw, Shooting, Silat, Softball (Women), Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Triathlon, Volleyball (Women), and Wushu. However, Singapore will not be fielding candidates for Baseball, Squash, Tennis, Weightlifting, Arnis, Boxing, Muay, and Wresting. The latter four sports are without NSAs. Basketball will not be featured in the Games because the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) suspended the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) subsequently suspended the PBA from participating in any FIBA recognised events. The decision to exclude Basketball was taken by the SEA Games Federation Council at its urgent Council meeting on 12 Nov 05 in Bangkok.
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| The funding will be allocated towards specialized support such as overseas training with Olympic-class coaches, additional competition experience and working with sports psychologists to overcome mental blocks. |
| “We know our athletes have the desire to win,” commented SNOC President Teo Chee Hean. “It’s our job to provide them with the extra logistical support they need to do their job.” Mr. Teo made the announcement during the Flag Presentation ceremony for the Doha Asian Games Team at ITE College East. |
| Among the top beneficiaries will likely be athletes from table tennis, badminton, sailing and shooting. Over the past 18 months, Singapore has seen a steady improvement in its standings at the Commonwealth, Asian and South East Asian Games. However, it has not won an Olympic medal since 1960 even though the country elite table tennis players were within reach of a bronze medal in both 2000 and 2004. “By drawing on additional resources, we hope to see the breakthrough we all have been working towards,” Mr. Teo said. |
| The $7 million fund will be distinct from the government’s existing financial commitment to sports development through the Singapore Sports Council. However, the fund will be financed primarily through the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sport and the Singapore Totalisator Board. |
| The SNOC will work with the SSC and MCYS to meet the needs of the athletes chosen for the program. Overseeing the work will be Ng Ser Miang, who is a Vice President of the SNOC and a member of the exco of the International Olympic Committee. |
| “There are no guarantees in sport, just commitment and effort,” said Mr. Teo. “This new funding initiative is another sign of our commitment and faith in our athletes.” |
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