Colourful rafts and kayaks provide a colourful sight for the 12,000 residents, athletes and volunteers at the opening ceremony for the 2012 Singapore National Games. (Photo 1 courtesy of SNG 2012)
Punggol Waterway, Saturday, September 1, 2012 — The Singapore National Games were declared officially open by the prime minister, Mr Lee Hsien Loong, at a colourful ceremony in front of 12,000 residents, athletes and volunteers.
The Games are organised by the Singapore Sports Council and the People’s Association.
Mr Lee declared the Games open after witnessing the passing of the Games baton among six bearers.
The evening’s events included a special ceremonial sail past comprising 30 specially decorated Cluster rafts that sailed down the waterway in a riot of colours.
“Sport nurtures the will to win, yet balances the winning spirit with a sense of fair play,” said Mr Chan Chun Sing, the acting minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports.
“It is about teamwork and hard work. It is about having a plan for action, yet be flexible to adapt to changes in the field of play. It is about backing your team, yet cheering and respecting your opponents in the spirit of good sportsmanship,” added Mr Chan.
The Games will feature 10 sports — athletics, football, netball, badminton, table tennis, basketball, sepak takraw, bowling, dragon boating, and swimming.
The best teams from each Cluster qualified for the National Games through the Community Games held earlier this year.
PM Lee Hsien Loong at the opening ceremony for the Singapore National Games. (Photo 2 courtesy of SNG 2012)
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