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First batch of S’pore athletes leave for SEA Games

Amongst the fan fare and cheers from supporters, morale was high at Changi Airport on Tuesday early morning as the first batch of Singapore athletes left for Indonesia for the 26th SEA Games starting on Friday.

The first batch includes the swimming and shooting teams. All in all, 414 athletes and 206 officials from Singapore will be participating at the games.

Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean and Community Development, Youth and Sports Acting Minister Chan Chun Sing met with the athletes before their flight and gave words of encouragement.

They both asked the players to give their best for the country.

Major-general (NS) Chan advised the players not to just focus on the medal count but to do their best as this will eventually translate to success.

Swimming sensation Tao Li, who is expected to return with a golden harvest, said she was excited about taking part in nine events.

“I’m looking forward to it. I see so many people cheering for us and even Dr Teo Chee Hean is here to send us off. I’m so happy,” said the 21-year-old.

 

Fellow swimmer Joseph Schooling, who’s already being hailed as an emerging champion, said he was pumped up for his debut at the SEA Games.

The former Anglo-Chinese School boy said, “If I don’t achieve personal best timings, I’ll be disappointed. But I’ll come back and try harder. If I do get some personal best timing, it’s one step forward to my ultimate goal.”

The 16-year-old is hoping to use the SEA Games as a springboard for the London Olympics next year.

Chan said he was confident that everything will run smoothly despite reports of a lack of organisation at the games.

“I’m sure that the Indonesian hosts will sort out it. We understand there are some changes to the some of the venues and accommodation, but I’m quite confident the Indonesians as gracious hosts will help us resolve this in good time,” he said.