SSC launches campaign to get more people involved in sports

By Hiroshi Limmell, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 07 May 2008 0400 hrs

 

SINGAPORE : "Let's play!" - that's the latest Singapore Sports Council (SSC) campaign launched on Tuesday as part of efforts to spread the message that one does not need to play sports to enjoy it.

Stella Tay, 84, could very well be your typical great grandmother, but don't let her age fool you. She actively makes it a point to take her family out for basketball.

She says those her age do not often follow their family out. However, just watching her family play sports is still time well spent.

"As long as you are young at heart, you can do anything you want to do. I'm 84 years old but I still love to do some dancing and tai chi and some swimming and keep your brain active by playing bridge and mahjong," she said.

Stella's "do-it spirit" is also shared by ministry officials.

Teo Ser Luck, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Community Development, Youth and Sports Ministry, said: "I hope that this movement will create a revolutionary movement on the ground and that everybody will be more involved in sports, not just for health and fitness reasons, but to enjoy."

The SSC will start its public drive with a catchy commercial. Topping things off will be a new Sports Education Programme in schools, including having leagues for various sports in the inter-school competitions.

To get the "Let's Play" campaign going, more sporting facilities and school fields will also be opened to the public from next month.

The public can also check out the SSC's new interactive website for more details.

CNA/de


Sports! Never too Old to Learn & Have Fun

I recently saw a program on Channel News Asia, featuring how people of China prepared for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.  I was amazed to see a classroom full of senior citizens learning conversational English!  I wondered how China did it.  How can Singapore do the same here effectively, encouraging more of our elderly to actively participate in Sports.  As Stella Tay, 84 said, "As long as you are young at heart, you can do anything you want to do."  I totally agree - stay Active and have Fun.

Taichi - Lifelong Learning

Yeah, I totally agree with you too! Sports should not have any boundaries, be it age, gender or races. It should be fun and enjoyable. Particually for sports like Taichi, where pple of all ages can practice together harmoniously and something which we can practice even till old age. That's what I would really call lifelong learning.

Great Motivational Push

Hi, always enjoyed seeing pple practicing Taichi at the parks early in the morning. Looks very smoothing and relaxing, especially when practicing with the music.

We should really look up to all those seniors who are still putting on their learning hat and never stop learning & trying to keep a healthy lifestyle......SALUTE to all!!!