SINGAPORE:
With 99 days more to the London Olympics
2012, local athletes are not the only ones gearing up for the Games.
Singaporeans
seem to be taking a bigger interest in the Olympics, with more planning to
watch the event in London, according to Singapore's only authorised ticket
reseller and Games tour operator, Kingdom Sports Group (KSG).
Although
KSG could not reveal ticketing information per country, its managing director
Daniel Beniston told channelnewsasia.com, "We are happy to report that a
record number of Singaporeans will be traveling to the Olympic Games in London
2012 -- a direct reflection of the amazing and successful Youth Olympic Games
that was held in Singapore in 2010.
"Without
a doubt, this event has inspired the people of Singapore to embrace the Olympic
Movement."
However,
some Singaporeans, such as administration manager Calvin Tan, still feel a
certain detachment from the Olympics Games.
"I
don't plan to follow the Games closely mainly because I've not been interested
in the Olympics since young. Moreover, I don't have time to keep track of the
event," said the part-time post-graduate student.
One of
the reasons the Olympics does not hold much significance to most Singaporeans
could be the way locals see the value of sports, suggests researcher and
independent sports consultant Fasial Suptu,
"To
most Singaporeans, sports is often associated with health and keeping fit,
rather than sporting excellence," said the Singaporean who is based at
Finland's University of Jyvaskyla.
"And
this is further enhanced by the fact that not many of our local-born athletes
had won many medals or made significant sporting contributions in previous
Olympics."
The
Singapore Sports Council (SSC) argued that winning medals is not a yardstick
for Singaporeans' support for major games.
SSC
senior director for Strategic Marketing Sharon Kam said: "It's not just
about Team Singapore athletes' victories. Their winning spirit has also
captured the attention of Singaporeans, who have come out to support and offer
words of encouragement to our athletes on their sporting journey."
Ms Kam
added: "For each major game, SSC brings Team Singapore athletes closer to
the public, through various outreach programmes as well as collects well wishes
for the contingents."
For
this year's London Games, SSC has partnered several organisations to bring
closer Team Singapore athletes and the public.
"Come
end-April, members of public will get to express their support and
encouragement for the athletes. More details will be revealed closer to the
date," Ms Kam said.
So far,
eight athletes have booked their spots in the Games, which begin 27 July, 2012.
They
include gymnast Lim Heem Wei, swimmer Joseph Schooling as well as paddlers Gao
Ning, Yang Zi, Zhao Jian, Feng Tianwei, Wang Yuegu and Li Jiawei.
Although
executive officer Michelle Tan does not expect local athletes to win any medals
at the London Games, she will be flying the flag.
"I'd
still watch coverage of the Games here and support the athletes, because after
all, they are representing Singapore" said the 27-year-old.
MediaCorp
will be offering free coverage of the Games on its multiple platforms including
television, radio, newspaper and magazines.
Appointed
as the Official Free-to-Air Broadcaster for London 2012 Olympic Games,
MediaCorp will broadcast over its eight TV channels Olympic sporting events
specially tailored for Singapore audiences as well as comprehensive coverage of
Team Singapore's performances at the Games.
-
CNA/wk
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