“Last year’s winner, Yip Pin Xiu, tells a story of overcoming great adversity …” Oon Jin Teik on the Singapore Youth Award

By Florence Ang

Swimmer Yip Pin Xiu was conferred the 2010 Singapore Youth Award in the sports and adventure category last year.

Born with muscular dystrophy, 18-year-old paralympic swimmer Pin Xiu was named “Sports Girl of the Year” from 2005 to 2007 and was conferred the “National Colours Award” from 2006 to 2008.

She further distinguished herself as a world-class athlete when she won the first gold medal for Singapore, with a world record, at the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games.

Beyond her sporting achievements, Pin Xiu conducts inspirational talks and demonstrative swimming events to advocate inclusiveness in sports. She was presented the “Meritorious Service Medal BBM” in 2008 and “Her World Young Women Achievers Award” in 2009.

Oon Jin Teik, the former chief executive officer of the Singapore Sports Council, is the current chairman of the committee that will decide the 2011 winner. He shares with us some of his thoughts on what it takes for an individual to win the Singapore Youth Award, the highest honour that is conferred on youth aged 35 and under in Singapore.

What do you think of last year’s sports scene, where numerous events happened in Singapore and involved local teams in overseas competitions? Have these events been beneficial for our athletes and teams in fostering closer relations with the community-at-large?
Oon Jin Teik: Sporting Singapore’s young athletes had a phenomenal year in 2010, earning glory for Singapore in many sports in different countries. Our athletes stood on the podiums at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi, the Asian Games in Guangzhou and the inaugural Youth Olympic Games in Singapore. Genuine competition is a great opportunity for young elite athletes to test themselves against the best of their peers, to form international friendships and learn more about the world in which we live.

With 2010 being an exciting sporting year for Singapore’s youth athletes and teams, what are your thoughts on potential awardees for SYA 2011?
Oon Jin Teik: We saw many portraits of extraordinary courage in action in 2010, so it would be impossible for me to pick only one athlete or team. Singapore has many athletes to be proud of — from the medallists at the Youth Olympic Games to the champions at the Commonwealth Games to the stars at the Asian Games. The sports performances we saw in 2010 are going to make the final choice very difficult for the selection panel.

What are the expectations for the SYA 2011 awardee for sports and adventure? Any specific expectations or something in particular you seek in a deserving sports team or individual?
Oon Jin Teik: The SYA awards recognise an individual’s or team’s contribution to our society, and not just to sports. So, we are looking for someone whose story can speak to everyone and not just their fellow athletes. Last year’s winner, Yip Pin Xiu, tells a story of overcoming great adversity. She started out as a freestyle swimmer but switched to the backstroke as her condition worsened. She also is a wonderful ambassador for good causes as seen by her involvement in Sharity.

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