Singapore Government Press Release

Media Division, Ministry of Information and The Arts

36th Storey, PSA Building, 460 Alexandra Road, Singapore 119963.

Tel: 3757794/5

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Chairman, Singapore Sports Council

Grassroots leaders of Bedok, East Coast and Marine Parade

Ladies and gentlemen

A very good evening to all of you.

First, let me thank the SSC for inviting me to officially open the Bedok Sports and Fitness Centre, SSC’s newest Regional Sports and Fitness Centre.

Bedok is one of our older housing estates. It was developed in 1972 and in the past 26 years, has matured into a thriving residential estate. In line with the Estate Renewal Strategy that began in 1996, many parts of Bedok are now undergoing a major upgrading facelift. All around the estate, you will notice many blocks of flats and bus-stops undergoing major renovation works. This will bring about a better and more pleasant Bedok Town for the benefit of the residents.

The original Bedok Sports Complex has likewise been upgraded into a modern Sports and Fitness Centre complete with a state-of-the-art gymnasium, an S-League stadium, a clubhouse for grassroots organisations and new facilities such as flood-lit tennis and netball courts.

With the opening of the Bedok Sports and Fitness Centre, residents can use the fully-equipped ClubFITT gymnasium with qualified instructors to help them get started on a fitness programme. Not only do they provide simple and friendly instruction, they also give professional advice to companies wanting either to set up their own gym or organise fitness programmes for their employees.

Besides ClubFITT, the Bedok Sports and Fitness Centre also offers a multi-purpose hall for indoor sports such as badminton and volleyball. For those who prefer outdoor sports, there are tennis and netball courts. Besides these facilities or "hardware", there is also the "software" which makes the Bedok Sports and Fitness Centre special. This software is in the form of sports activities tailor-made for the residents and workers in Bedok. Regardless of age and level of fitness, Bedok Regional Sports and Fitness Centre offers Sports For Life activities designed to suit every taste and inclination.

The results of the 1997 National Sports Participation Survey showed that 6 in 10 (64%) of Singaporeans still do not participate in any sports or physical activity. We need to increase this rate of participation. Our population is ageing rapidly and it is vital that Singaporeans stay fit and healthy for as long as they can so that they are able to contribute to the social and economic development of the country.

While everyone recognises the benefits of sports and exercise, it takes determination and discipline to start on a fitness programme. Some people may be put off by exercise or are afraid to take up a sport because they feel that they are not physically fit to do so. This is precisely what the Sports For Life aims to address and that is to encourage all Singaporeans, young and old, to participate in sports and exercise as a regular activity for a healthy lifestyle.

For this reason, Sports for Life provides a whole range of activities, appealing to people of all ages, abilities and fitness levels. There are Learn-to-Play courses for those who want to learn a new sport. Games like Petanque, Gateball, Pickleball and Groundgolf are especially suitable for senior citizens and housewives.

Another important component of Sports For Life is the concept of assessing your physical fitness. The Sports For Life 2 km Walk is especially for those who prefer a less vigorous fitness assessment. Taking part in any of the three physical tests is an excellent way to gauge your fitness level. Such assessment are carried out every month at all Regional Sports and Fitness Centres, including Bedok. All participants are given certificates of participation, attractive souvenirs and a chance to win prizes in the lucky draws.

I hope that the Bedok Sports and Fitness Centre will become the focus for Bedok residents and workers to gather for sports and exercise. I urge you to come with your family, friends and colleagues. Not only will you have lots of fun, you will also begin to feel fitter, stronger and better just by playing a sport, or having a walk.

It is indeed my pleasure to declare the Bedok Sports and Fitness Centre, open.

Thank you.

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