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Edwin Tong pledges more relief measures for sports

The Chiam See Tong Sports Fund’s “Live for Sports” virtual fundraising dinner collected more than its targeted $125,000 for under-resourced athletes.

Guest-of-honour, Edwin Tong, Minister of Culture, Community and Youth, shared that his ministry is working on providing more relief measures for the sports sector that has been largely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

This is on top of Sport Singapore’s package of measures worth $23 million, which includes the Enterprise Innovation & Capability Grant, Active Enabler Programme, creation of temporary jobs, ActiveSG Circle, and other digital content initiatives and training opportunities.

“Over the next few weeks, we will work on further measures and a package to help preserve the core sporting capabilities and protect livelihoods,” said Tong at the dinner.

Tong, who took over the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth portfolio in July, has been gathering feedback from athletes and coaches who list sports as their main source of income.

Since the start of the pandemic, local sports have taken a dive, as leagues have been cancelled, and extra resources pumped into a “new normal” for trainings to resume safely under COVID-19 restrictions.

“The most important thing we can do is to chart a path towards a safe resumption of activities. This is the best way to support livelihoods, and allow our athletes to do what they do best — train and compete,” he said. “Together with SportSG, we have also had discussions on how to bring back many of our favourite sporting experiences, but in a safe way. We have made some moves, and will continue to do so.”

Floorball men’s team receive $15,000 sponsorship from Excelsior Financial Group

The Singapore Floorball Association (SFA) announced on Monday (5 October) a $15,000 sponsorship from Excelsior Financial Group (EFG) for the national men’s floorball team. EFG has been sponsoring the team since 2018.

Vincent Gan, EFG’s financial services senior director, said the company was proud to back the team “during this uncertain climate”. EFG is also the official event partner for the ActiveSG SFA Floorball Premier League 2020 –2021.

“This partnership is not only important to the men’s team, but also significant to the association as we showcase the great sport and dedicated athletes that Singapore has to the world,” said Kenneth Ho, president of the SFA.

The men’s team fought their way to a silver medal at the SEA Games in the Philippines, then later won the 2nd Men’s Asia Oceania Floorball Confederation Cup last year.

Aston Martin Owners Club Singapore donates $20,000 to SDSC

A group of Aston Martin enthusiasts and owners are celebrating 12 years of friendship with the Singapore Disability Sports Council (SDSC) with a generous donation of $20,000 to the national sports body for the disabled.

The Aston Martin Owners Club Singapore (AMOCS) was originally formed in 2008 as a community for owners of the British marque, with the mission of “understanding [their] social responsibilities to the community”.

Their mission has been in support of the SDSC for years, organising fundraisers and contributing to the celebrations of Singapore’s para sports inspirations. In the 2008 and 2012 Paralympics, AMOCS members held victory parades for Paralympians Laurentia Tan and Yip Pin Xiu, driving them in a convoy around Singapore to the cheers of the public.

“AMOCS has always been about bringing people together and supporting initiatives in our community. Through the years, we are glad to have supported the SDSC and celebrate the achievements of Singapore’s para athletes,” said Mike Armour, president of AMOCS. “To be able to channel these funds to SDSC feels like we have come full circle and is a wonderful way to celebrate our partnership over the years.”

Kevin Wong, who just stepped down as SDSC’s president at this year’s annual general meeting, was grateful for AMOCS’ support over the years. “With the donation, SDSC will continue to do more to support our athletes and we hope to encourage more persons with disabilities to take a leap of faith to pursue sports,” he said.