Multi-Million Dollar Award Programme (MAP) and Team Singapore Appreciation Dinner of the 22nd SEA Games 2003

TAKE A BOW, ATHLETES
- By An Volunteer Writer

Rich Rewards

Singapore's gold medallists from the 2003 SEA Games in Vietnam were richly rewarded under the Singapore National Olympic Council's Multi-million Dollar Award Programme (MAP) at a recent function held at the Asian Civilisations Museum. For example, paddler Li Jiawei collected the biggest cheque of $34,000 for her one individual, two doubles and one team golds while swimmer Joscelin Yeo, who clinched six gold medals, pocketed $20,000.

Minister's Praise

But the night also belonged to the likes of archer Albert Low, the women's basketball team and the gymnastics team. Though they did not win any cash for winning silver and bronze medals in Vietnam, they were singled out for praise by RADM Teo Chee Hean, Minister For Defence and President of the Singapore National Olympic Council. Please read more...

Breakthroughs

He noted, "SEA Games debutant archer Albert Low’s silver medal deserves special mention as Archery last won a medal twenty years back in 1983. The basketball (women) team’s silver medal is equally noteworthy as they last won a bronze medal eighteen years back in 1985. Gymnastics won three silvers and a bronze in Hanoi. Our gymnasts last won a bronze ten years ago."

Consistent Performers

Also praised were faithful SEA Games gold medallists, including the waterpolo guys and consistent individuals such as thrower James Wong, shooter Lee Wung Yew and swimmer Joscelin Yeo. Said the minister, "They are a rare breed of athletes who have taken hard knocks, experienced defeat at some stage of their sporting career I am sure, yet they always come back stronger, to deliver when the nation calls.”

Olympic Spirit

Noting that they are also great role models who epitomize the Olympic spirit, he added, “They have shown that you can blend sports with education and career, and still find joy in the sports you do, without compromising the Olympic ideals such as dignity, respect of the individual, courage and fairplay.” Young budding athletes and teams, he stressed, can and should take after them.

Tribute To Loved Ones

On his part, Community Development and Sports Minister Yaacob Ibrahim, who was also present at the event, paid tribute to the athletes' loved ones, sports officials and supporters. Without them, our success in Vietnam would not have been possible, he said. Please read more .....

NOTE: Under the MAP, $10,000 is awarded for each individual SEA Games gold while a team gold earns $20,000. Regardless of the number of individual golds an athlete wins, he or she receives only $10,000 from that category. There is no money for silver and bronze medals.