The
Chiam See Tong Sports Fund (CSTSF) has managed to raise more than S$170,000 with about S$10,000 coming from an auction at the charity gala dinner held at The Marriott Tang Plaza earlier on.
Officially set up in the Chamber of the Old Parliament House on 9 March 2017, the objectives of the Chiam See Tong Sports Fund are as follows:
- To help build the character of children and youths from under-resourced families through their participation in sports;
- To advocate on behalf of the value of sports for under-resourced children and youths in the community;
- To build key athlete, corporate, and community relationships that increase sport opportunities for under-resourced children & youths; and
- To develop programmes and services to supplement and complement national initiatives for children and youth sports development in Singapore.
Coincidentally, the venue was the exact location where Mr. Chiam See Tong first took his oath as a Member of Parliament in January 1985 after winning the Potong Pasir seat at the General Elections in December 1984.
I was honored to receive the invitation to attend the charity gala dinner, big thanks to
Draft Denmark for extending the invitation and getting the extra table for us. In fact, Draft Denmark was the official beer sponsor of this gala dinner and I had the chance to give try their beer during the cocktail session before the dinner.
The beer taste more crisp and smooth after going through a technologically advanced brewing process. One sip and you will be able to taste the difference and unique freshness.
Shortly after we were seated at our table, the Guest of Honour, Emeritus Minister Goh Chok Tong arrived, alongside Senior Minister of State for Health and Law, Mr Edwin Tong, Nominated MP Yip Pin Xiu, corporate leaders and renowned faces from Singapore's sports fraternity. However, one face was missing and that was Mr Chiam himself.
Mrs Lina Chiam went on stage to inform that Mr Chiam was not able to come today and how he used to be the best swimmer back in school, representing ACS.
Next, was the welcome speech by Mr Ang Peng Siong, Chairman of the board. "For many of us in the room, sports has been almost synonymous and a major part of our lives." Said Mr Ang Peng Siong.
"Tonight's dinner is a testimony to the power of collaborations. If you want to move faster and further, you must have minds and skill sets to help figure out a solution. Our emphasis has to be plugging gaps in the sports arena which will reduce the instances of inequality in sports." said Jose Raymond, Chairman of the Organising Committee.
The mic was passed on to Emeritus Minister Goh Chok Tong, Guest of Honour to give his speech. Mr Goh said that the Chiam See Tong Sports Fund had an admirable cause and he supported this because he respected Mr Chiam as a well-meaning, decent and honest politician who handled politics not for selfish reason. Recalling how Mr Chiam used to raised questions about support adequacy for the athletes, he gave an example by re-quoting Mr Chiam exchange during the 1989 Budget discussion.
"Sir, sad to say, our sports level as far as the international standard is concerned, is at the kampong level. I think we have to do something to build up one or two champions and that will give inspiration to other sportsmen."
When it comes to sports, Mr Goh thinks that Singapore have to do something to build up one or two champions to compete in the global arena. He mentioned how when he was a prime minister back then, he had set three goals for Singapore. First is to win an Olympic gold medal in sailing by 2008; second is to qualify for the football World Cup by 2010 and third is to qualify for the badminton Thomas Cup final in 2012. Although, these were not realized, Mr Goh emphasized that we must never give up to chase our dreams, both individually and as a nation. Mr Goh ended his speech by wishing Joseph Schooling the best of luck in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic. He felt that sports could help to build character, discipline and resilience.
The beneficiaries present took a group photo together with the VIPs.
A gala dinner would not be complete without food and some live music performance. We had so much to eat and I really enjoyed the live band performance singing to my favourite songs.
Shortly, the highlight of the gala dinner started with the first auction conducted by Helping Hands Group. The first item to be auctioned was Mr Goh's golf clubs which he even signed on the spot and took a photo with the final lucky bidder. Other items that were auctioned includes an autographed Liverpool jersey, staycation, etc.
Next of the highlight was a sharing by the Chaim See Tong Sports Fund beneficiary, Kok Kiat Xuan from Modern Pentathlete. He shared how he was the first to do all 5 sports, shooting, running, fencing , horse riding and jumping. It was his breakthrough in 2016 to compete in all 5 stations except horse racing.
A commotion came and everyone crowd over, it was the surprise arrival of Mr Chiam See Tong, the man behind this sports fund. He was on the wheelchair and was pushed in by his wife.
These are the photos of some of the auctioned items outside the grand hall before the gala dinner started. Part 2 of the auction began and more food was served. The event ended shortly after the thank you speech.
Since the fund was launched in 2017, it had assisted more than 30 athletes, including modern pentahlete Kok Kiat Xuan, National Powerlifters Matthew Yap, Matthias Yap and sailor Olivia Chen.
XOXO
