Speech by SNOC President at Rio 2016 Flag Presentation & Olympic Day

09 Jul 2016

WELCOME ADDRESS BY MR TAN CHUAN-JIN, MINISTER FOR SOCIAL AND FAMILY DEVELOPMENT AND PRESIDENT OF THE SINGAPORE NATIONAL OLYMPIC COUNCIL AT THE TEAM SINGAPORE FLAG PRESENTATION CEREMONY FOR RIO 2016 OLYMPIC AND PARALYMPIC GAMES AND OLYMPIC DAY CELEBRATION ON SATURDAY 9 JULY 2016 AT 8.25AM AT THE FLOATING PLATFORM @ MARINA BAY
 
Ms Grace Fu, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth
 
Dr Teo-Koh Sock Miang, Chairman, Singapore National Paralympic Council
 
Mr Low Teo Ping and Mr Ho Cheng Kwee, Chefs de Mission 
 
Athletes, coaches and officials
 
Sponsors and partners
 
Ladies and gentlemen
 
A very good morning to you.
 
It is good to see so many of you here this morning at the Team Singapore Rio 2016 Olympics and Paralympics Flag Presentation and Olympic Day Celebrations. 
 
In less than 26 days, 25 athletes representing Singapore will march into the famed Maracanã stadium in Rio de Janeiro for the Opening Ceremony of the 31st edition of the Summer Olympic Games. This would represent Team Singapore’s 17th participation at the Games.
 
A month later in September, a record 11 athletes will represent Singapore in five sports at the Paralympic Games in the same city. Team Singapore’s participation at these Games have already set significant milestones in our sporting history with record numbers of qualifiers in some sports. With debutants, seasoned campaigners and medalists in the mix, we are very proud of our athletes and are confident that they will fly our flag high and do Singapore proud in Rio.
 
Our athletes’ Olympic and Paralympic journey and endeavours require massive support from a large network of communities. Working behind the scenes are the support staff, families and friends who have been constant cheerleaders, and organisations and companies who believe in them. My appreciation goes out each and everyone of you for your unwavering support.
 
I would like to record my special thanks to the Tote Board family comprising Tote Board, Singapore Pools and the Singapore Turf Club; Fitness First; NTUC FairPrice; Oakley Singapore; Singapore Airlines and Singtel for their generous support and for helping our athletes in their journey to Rio.
 
I wish our Chefs de Mission, Teo Ping and Cheng Kwee, and their teams safe and successful outings to the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Team Singapore, enjoy the Games, do your best and do us proud. You have the whole nation behind you.

I look forward to join you all at the Olympic Day Walk shortly.  Enjoy the scenic route of the Marina Bay Promontory. You will be able to spot Olympic-themed monuments and artwork installed at the Youth Olympic Park and along the Olympic Walk, as part of the Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games legacy. There are also plenty of activities held here after the walk where you can soak in the Olympic Day Celebrations. Enjoy yourselves and have a great day.
 
Thank you.