Story by Jiexin Neo/Red Sports. Photos by Lim Yong Teck/Red Sports
A family poses for a photo at the new National Stadium during the Sports Hub Community Open House at the Singapore Sports Hub. (Photo 1 © Lim Yong Teck/Red Sports)
Singapore Sports Hub, Saturday, June 28, 2014 — Members of the Singapore public explored the sports, entertainment and lifestyle facilities during the Community Open House at the new Singapore Sports Hub.
The Open House was held over two days, allowing the public a peek at the facilities and to gain first-hand experiences of a wide range of sports in the different parts of the Sports Hub, like the Stadium Roar and OCBC Arena.
Families and friends came together to explore the newly-opened Sports Hub and immerse themselves in the happy atmosphere. Resident Mdm Kamisah dropped by with three of her kids on the first day of the Open House, and marvelled at the place. “We heard about it and decided to come down, since we have not been here before. We are thinking of coming back again tomorrow for the games as my kids are looking forward to play.”
Among the many Singapore athletes, tracker Dipna Lim-Prasad and fencer Ann Lee were also present to show support for the event.
“I was really quite excited to see so many people here, and I like how everyone’s participating. It’s like how Singaporeans were thought to be really shy to go on stage or to participate in stuffs, but it’s not what I see here. Everyone is really friendly and open,” said Dipna.
On the new Sports Hub, Dipna added, “Compared to our old stadium, it looks very modern and it’s more extensive here. All the venues are here, so people can like support track in the morning and go off for swimming after that, or to grab some lunch. It’s more convenient and also facilitates the support for the local talents.”
Ann Lee felt that it was really heart-warming to see such a big crowd. “Everyone’s dressed in red, in Singapore colors, and people are here to support sports, so I find it extremely encouraging and exciting. I think it’s really beautiful here and I like the idea of having all the sports together here in the same place, showing unity within Team Singapore itself. I think this place will not only attract our locals to participate in sports more and have a more active lifestyle, it can also be a tourist attraction.”
On the second day of the event, the public were given the opportunities to engage in SEA Games sports like basketball, boxing and football alongside some of the Singapore athletes. There were also sports demonstrations around the area, like the Water Polo competition at the OCBC Aquatic Centre where the public were invited to watch from the spectators’ stands.
Members of the Singapore Slingers, including Kyle Jeffers, Hassan Adams and Wong Wei Long, played a mini game of basketball as part of a “Nothing Beats Live” campaign activation during the Open House. The campaign is an initiative by Sport Singapore, and strives to establish ‘live’ sports as an alternative choice of leisure and entertainment for residents.
Michael Johnson, assistant coach of the Slingers, was excited to have the cagers be a part of the activation. “We’re happy to be involved in this. It’s great to have some of our players here to add a sporty feel to the opening promotion.”
“We’ll be playing in the new OCBC Arena this year, and I think this is a great start to promote the facilities. Hopefully, plenty of people turn up and see the beautiful facilities here and the sporting events that are coming up,” added Johnson.
Wong Wei Long, a member of the Singapore Slingers, said, “I think it’s really cool and it’s my first time here. I appreciate the environment and it’s a fantastic experience. I think it’s awesome, especially the stadium. I’ve been around and I also went all the way to the OCBC Arena and saw those courts, they were really really beautiful.”
The public can use the facilities for free until the end of July.
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