SEA Games: James Wong to be flag bearer in Indonesia

*Scape, Tuesday, November 1, 2011 — Discus thrower James Wong, 42, has been given the honour of being the flag bearer at the upcoming 26th SEA Games in Indonesia.

“It is always a privilege to be able to represent Singapore. This year will be extra special for me to be able carry the Singapore flag and lead the contingent at the opening ceremony, as it will be my last trip to the SEA Games. It is an absolute honour, and one that I am proud to bear,” said James, who is a nine-time SEA Games gold medallist. This will be the final SEA Games for James who is the oldest member of the track and field contingent.

Teo Chee Hean, Singapore’s deputy prime minister, presented the national flag to James Wong and para athlete Firdaus Bin Nordin.

Said Mr Teo: “Team Singapore, through your effort, you exhibit the best of what Singapore stands for – a determined, passionate and resilient society. Through your actions, you show our ASEAN neighbours that we have a strong motivation to win, coupled with a big heart to make friends. As we follow your progress, you will be our source of inspiration and pride. I applaud all of you for having the drive and spirit to be the best you can be and to do it for Singapore.”

Fencer Ruth Ng, 25, will take the pledge on behalf of the 414-strong contingent. Ruth is a veteran of four SEA Games and is looking to lead the women’s foil team to their third consecutive team gold.

Half of the athletes are 21 or younger in age and they will compete in 33 out of 42 sports at the biennial games. Singapore is sending athletes for the first time in bridge, open water swimming, roller sports and sport climbing. Altogether, 257 athletes will be making their debut appearance.

Synchronised swimmer Natalie Chen is the youngest in the contingent. She picked up the sport at the age of seven and turned 14 two weeks ago. Said the secondary two student from CHIJ Secondary (Toa Payoh): “Synchronised swimming started out just as a hobby for me, something that I enjoyed doing with my sisters. However, after seven years, I am glad to now be representing Singapore for the first time at the SEA Games. This is something that I have trained very hard for, and I am very excited.”

The oldest member of Team Singapore is 76-year-old Ng Lai Chun who will be competing in bridge. The grandmother of five picked up the game 34 years ago and was triumphant at various international tournaments winning her the title of “World Master” in 2009.

There will be a father-daughter duo in the waterski competitions. 16-year-old Kayla Marisa Kee will make her debut with her 47-year-old father, Geoffrey Kee. Sporting excellence runs in the family. Kayla’s mother May Win picked up a waterski silver medal at the 1997 SEA Games in Jakarta.

The Singapore Roller sports team are making their SEA Games debut this year. They are led by former national ice hockey player Daniel Chew and their line-up also includes national ice skater Lim June Liang, three-time national skating champion Daryl Chan and world freestyle skating champion, Rebecca Chew.

“Team Singapore’s contingent to the SEA Games this year boasts a promising mix of seasoned veterans and fresh young talent. We are confident that the athletes will do Singapore proud and deliver outstanding performances,” said Chef-De-Mission Dr Tan Eng Liang.

Muhammad Firdaus Nordin, Singapore’s first wheelchair racer to qualify for the Paralympic Games in Beijing 2008, will be racing for the Republic at the 6th ASEAN Para Games. The contingent of 36 athletes and 21 officials also includes swimmers Yip Pin Xiu and Theresa Goh who have both qualified for the London 2012 Paralympics. Of the young athletes making their debut at the 6th ASEAN Para Games, almost all of them are under 21 years of age. The Para Games are scheduled for to be held in Solo, Indonesia from December 12th to 22nd.

“Our para athletes have gone through grueling preparations and will face new challenges and difficulties at the Games. They are an immense inspiration to our nation and their will to perform their very best at the Games epitomises the human spirit’s strength and resolve. I am sure that their strong perseverance and determination will come through in Solo and they can bring back the medals they seek,” said Mr Ee Tiang Hwee, Chef-de-Mission for Team Singapore to the 6th ASEAN Para Games.