SINGAPORE, March 11 — When it comes to competitive sports, half the battle is won psychologically: You should try to intimidate your opponent as much as possible. Especially if you’re actually an actor – and not an athlete – taking part in the first Celebrity Sports Day on March 12 at the OCBC Arena.
Organised by Mediacorp’s The Celebrity Agency, the ticketed event will see more than 50 local celebrities, split into two teams — Blue and Red — competing in events such as basketball, Captain’s Ball, a 100m sprint, a relay race and a Tug O’ War.
Proceeds from the event will go to NTUC Income OrangeAid, in support of underprivileged children and youth.
Who emerges the winner also depends on who leads the teams.
Heading up the Blue Team is actress-host Kym Ng, a table tennis enthusiast who will also be competing in the 400m race. She faces off against the captain of the Red Team, Tay Ping Hui, who will also be playing in a basketball match.
“I think we have a lot of talent in basketball. There hasn’t been a basketball game amongst artistes in years, so I think this is a good start,” said Tay of the event. “In the future, hopefully, we can have a celebrity team and play charity matches.”
“I hope that after this, all our artistes can be more involved in sports — any form of sports,” said Ng. “I think it’s good for us. Besides acting and looking pretty and all that, I think we all should keep fit. I reckon most of the girls don’t have a regular exercise routine, which is very important, especially when you talk about staying young and vibrant. When you sweat, it’s very sexy, you know? At least, when I sweat, it’s very sexy.”
Sure, it’s not exactly Clash Of The Titans, given Ng’s famously tiny stature. Furthermore, you would think that Tay, who once made a movie about basketball, would have the upper hand — but can he stand up to Ng’s strategies, which include the use of short shorts, babies and Guo Liang?
“I don’t know what I’m supposed to do, you know. I guess I’m supposed to motivate them (but) having me participate is enough motivation and inspiration already, isn’t it?” said Ng, whose team members include the likes of Elvin Ng, Jean Danker, Priscelia Chan, Dennis Chew, Belinda Lee, Desmond Tan and of course, Guo Liang. “(Laughs) Our cheerleader is Guo Liang. I’m counting on him — if he is standing in front of us girls, I think we will be able to run quite fast, just for him.”
Meanwhile, Tay has a different approach as team leader. His team includes Rebecca Lim, Ian Fang, Vivian Lai, Ben Yeo, Yahui, The Muttons and Zheng Ge Ping. “If things are not going well, I will have to be there to be the rational voice,” said Tay. “It’s not just about your sporting abilities, so I will help to strategise. I expect to win — and will make it happen.”
As they say, confidence is everything.
Q: Who is the strongest player in your team?
Kym Ng: I think it’s Desmond Tan. When he made a guest appearance on my obstacle course competition show, Battle At Water Margin, he cycled to the location in an outfit that was very figure-hugging. Oh my goodness, it was so sexy; and he was one of the best on the obstacle course. But he didn’t break the record set by Kunhua. I was like, ‘Aiyo, this DJ can or not?’ But he was like a monkey. Kunhua is on my team too, so I’m very pleased. Jean Danker is also on my team. I think she looks quite chio and her body looks quite fit. Then there’s Belinda Lee. She dances very well — you need stamina to dance; your core muscles must be quite good to hold poses.
Tay Ping Hui: Zheng Geping. Hey, man, look at that guy, right? He’s the leader of my Tug O’ War team. Everybody respects him and will listen to him. If they don’t, he’ll just kick the s*** out of them. (When it comes to basketball) I have an ex-national player — that would be Shane Pow. He was on the national youth team.
Q: Which of your team members would you be most worried for?
Kym Ng: I’m quite worried for Chen Tian Wen. He’ll be playing basketball. But it’s hard to say because now, he has got a baby, and carrying babies requires stamina.
Tay Ping Hui: I am worried about everyone. I am just scared they over-perform. We don’t want to trash the Blue Team. We want it to be a friendly competition.
Q: What are you planning to wear?
Kym Ng: Very mini shorts to show off my muscular legs. At least I can frighten off all the other girls who are running with me. I’ll choose a tank top and very short shorts so that when I run you can see all my muscles. So even if I don’t come in first, I think it will be a pleasure to watch me run. It’s about how you get there.
Tay Ping Hui: I’ll be playing basketball, so for that, I’ll be wearing my own basketball shoes, and maybe some compression-wear inside, just to keep warm.
Q: What will you say to each other right before the competition starts?
Kym Ng: Get the Red Cross team ready.
Tay Ping Hui: I promise to be gentle. — TODAY
* The Celebrity Sports Day takes place tomorrow, March 12 at 2.30pm at OCBC Arena Hall 1. Tickets at S$10 (RM30) from www.sportshubtix.sg. Visit our Facebook page, TODAY Entertainment & Lifestyle, for pictures from the event.
