In November last year, The Straits Times, with support from the Singapore Sports Council (SSC), initiated another series on 50 of our sportsmen and women. . This time, the athletes were selected on the basis of their potential to be medal winners in future SEA Games, Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, and even the Olympic Games. . While the first Straits Times series focused on past achievements, the ST50 are our athletes of the future. . They represent our best and brightest hopes of achieving our goal of becoming one of the top ten sporting nations in Asia by 2010.

This is also a timely celebration of the human spirit. . After a year of economic recession and tension from terrorist attacks, many of us are feeling a sense of insecurity and pessimism. . But it is precisely in times like these that we need to shed off our gloom, stand even more resolute, and take on the challenges with guts and gusto. . In this respect, I would like to congratulate our sportsmen and women who made it to the ST50. . You can become role models for our aspiring athletes, and a source of inspiration for the rest of us.

Winning medals is the ultimate accolade for the determination and perseverance of the sportsman.

But sport is more than just about winning medals. . It is about participation, whether as a player or a spectator. . And through such participation, we come closer as one people.

As a spectator, we feel pride in the accomplishments of our national sport figures. . We share in their triumph, and their despair. . Sport lifts the spirit of the individual, and that of the entire nation. . When Liverpool and Manchester United came to Singapore last year, people from all walks of life headed for the National Stadium to watch these soccer stars play against Team Singapore. . We were ecstatic when Indra Sahdan of Team Singapore netted the goal against the Red Devils.

As a player, sport helps to create common space among all Singaporeans. . Soccer, for example, has that wonderful ability to draw together Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Eurasian students in a game after school, or sometimes, even during school recess!

Sport is also healthy fun. . In addition, it instills in the individual qualities of discipline, teamwork, creativity, adventure and a desire to excel. . A vibrant sport industry can bring us significant economic benefits.

All these reasons, and more, explain why the Government has placed increased emphasis on sport in recent years.

But the Government alone cannot transform Singapore into a sporting nation. . We need the support and involvement of everyone interested in sports. . They must set aside narrow interests and jointly work towards the larger goals of Sporting Singapore.

This Team Singapore approach is especially important for our top athletes. . When they receive a tremendous amount of support and encouragement, they are more likely to excel. . The school-going athlete needs support from his parents and teachers. . The athlete in full-time National Service needs support from his unit commanders; the working athlete, his employer; and the full-time athlete, his financial sponsors.

I am therefore glad to learn that, as a first step to bring about this multi-dimensional support from various stakeholders in sports, the SSC has launched a new initiative, the Athletes Career & Training programme, or ACT for short. . I understand that the SSC hopes to have a steady pool of 30 to 70 ACT athletes. . This pool will comprise our best athletes, our dynamos for sports excellence.

The SSC will take a pro-active and leading role in the management of ACT athletes. . This will be done in partnership with the National Sports Associations. . SSC will help the athlete understand his options better, so that he knows how he can develop his potential without having to worry about his studies or career. . Together with the various stakeholders, SSC will draw up a sports development programme for the athlete, which will address all obstacles to his training.

Under the ACT, the SSC will take a holistic approach to top athlete development. . It will address all aspects of the athlete’s personal development, including education, finances and career. . As the needs of each athlete are different, the package of support will be customized accordingly. . From the Government, support will come in the form of financial assistance, training grants, scholarships, assistance to secure the best coaches, and sports science, amongst others. . The athlete will be given full support throughout the entire programme.

In the spirit of Team Singapore, I urge all stakeholders to see the big picture, and balance your own objectives with the interests of the nation and its athletes. . Please help make the ACT a success.

Let me once again congratulate all our ST 50 athletes. . I wish you the very best in your sporting careers.

But more than that, you must keep in mind that you are now the standard bearer for our youngsters. . They will watch your conduct on and off the sporting arena, your attitude towards training, and your relations with your fellow sportsmen. . They will emulate you. . It is a heavy responsibility to be held up as a role model.

Before I end, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the rest of the sporting fraternity that haves worked behind the scenes to support our athletes. . In particular, I would like to thank Abdullah Tarmugi, the first Sports Minister in Singapore, even if that which is only part of his many responsibilities. . Dollah will be leaving MCDS the Ministry at the end of this month to take up another important position as Speaker of Parliament. . Under his leadership, a bold sports blueprint was developed. . In his quiet way, he also somehow secured the largest-ever commitment from the Government for sport in Singapore. . His passion for sport is obvious to all, and it is infectious. . He has given his successor, Yaacob Ibrahim, a good foundation to build on.

I am sure all of you will join me in thanking Dollah for a job well done in MCDS.

Thank you.

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