Media Division, Ministry of Information and The Arts, 36th Storey, PSA Building, 460 Alexandra Road, Singapore 119963. Tel: 3757794/5
___________________________________________________________________
SPEECH BY DR TONY TAN KENG YAM, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND MINISTER FOR DEFENCE, AT THE GRAND OPENING OF THE "NEW" SINGAPORE RECREATION CLUB HELD ON SATURDAY, 28 JUNE 1997 AT 6.15PM
Good evening
Mr Johnny Goh Kok Guan, President, SRC
Mr Suresh Nair, Vice President, SRC
Distinguished Guests
Ladies and gentlemen
The new Singapore Recreation Club's (SRC) clubhouse belongs to a new generation of social and family clubs that caters to the aspirations and needs of modern Singaporeans. With facilities that stretches one's imagination, from the state-of-the-art indoor heated swimming pool to the underground 10-lane bowling alley, the Management Committee brings to life its vision of the "Premier Oasis on the Historical Padang". Housing one of the oldest premier sports and social clubs in Singapore, this new clubhouse demonstrates a great sense of creativity by Singaporeans in its architecture design and concept as well as our desire to preserve the traditional character of our past. More than just a historical foundation of our traditions, SRC is a fitting symbol of our progress as a nation.
The SRC's history dates back to June 1883 when the Club was founded by the Eurasian Community. New sporting activities and new facilities were gradually introduced as membership grew. In 1963, eighty years after its establishment, SRC took a historic decision to open its membership to all races. That was a step in the right direction in line with the development and progress of the new nation of Singapore that had just ceased to be a colony. SRC surged ahead and benefited from its wider out-reach in a multi-racial Singapore. Being a partner in nation-building, each chapter in SRC's history is closely tied to the growth and prosperity of Singapore. The decision to redevelop the clubhouse is another milestone in the SRC's history.
The new clubhouse that we see today reaffirms SRC's established tradition of quality services for all its members and guests. SRC intends to stay as the pacesetter for the other similar social and sports clubs in Singapore to emulate. Besides providing warm and professional services for all its members, its variety of modern facilities is designed to cater for the diversified needs and lifestyles of Singaporeans.
Besides social and business needs, SRC places emphasis on the needs of our families. There is a wealth of new facilities in store for families in a self-contained family-oriented zone, complete with family and indoor sports activities such as games room, nursery, self-service food court, children's swimming pool, bowling alley, gymnasium and health spa. With fun, food and fitness, members can spend more quality time with their families at this one-stop family Club.
With its superb location at the heart of the Civic District, SRC also plays an vital role in the promotion of international sporting events such as the Softball International Championship and the ATP Senior Tennis Tournament. With its excellent facilities and deep commitment to promote these sports, SRC helps to promote the importance of Sports-For-Life for its members and guests. At the same time, SRC helps to enhance and encourage local sporting talents. This is a good demonstration of the close partnership between private sports clubs and the Government in striving to improve sports participation and talents in Singapore.
SRC has a tradition of helping the less privileged in our society. In keeping with this tradition, the SRC is raising more funds for the SRC-NKF Patient Development Fund which supports the welfare of kidney patients and their families.
SRC is a true blue Singaporean club that all its members can be proud of. It has stood the test of time and to many, it is more than just another social club. It is their second home for families to spend time together. SRC's well-established traditions will no doubt be perpetuated to face the challenges of the next century.
In conclusion, I congratulate the Management Committee for making a dream come true and I wish SRC all the best in its future endeavours. I am sure the new clubhouse will bring more fun and memories to all the members. I now declare the new clubhouse officially open.
Thank you.