Media Division, Ministry of Information and The Arts,

Mr Keiji Ukai, President, Asian Dance Sport Federation

Mr Ng Geng Whye, President, Amateur Dance Sport

Association of Singapore

Distinguished Guests

Ladies and gentlemen

Good evening

Let me first extend a very warm welcome to all the overseas participants and officials to Singapore. I understand that there are over 20 countries represented at this Tournament, including England, Finland, Lithuania and Russia. This is the first time Singapore is given the honour of hosting this world-ranking dancesport tournament. For this, I would like to congratulate the Amateur Dance Sport Association of Singapore for organising this prestigious Singapore 2000 IDSF International Open Dancesport Tournament.

This evening, we will be treated to a spectacular display dancesport by world class participants. Hosting premier competitions like this helps to establish Singapore as an ideal venue for major international

 sports events. This is in line with the aim of the Ministry of Community Development and Sports and the Singapore Sports Council to promote sports tourism as part of the development of a vibrant sports culture in Singapore.

Dancesport has been gaining in popularity worldwide every day. The grace, beauty and technique displayed by each couple belie the strength, stamina, energy and coordination that they have to put in. It is indeed a demanding sport, requiring dedication, discipline and a lot of hard work and practice. It is also an excellent form of exercise which is enjoyable at the same time. I hope this competition will motivate more Singaporeans to take up and enjoy dancesport.

It leaves me now to wish every participating couple the very best of luck and to hope that everyone here will have an enjoyable evening. It is indeed my pleasure now to declare the Singapore 2000 IDSF International Open Dancesport Tournament open. Thank you.