SINGAPORE, Aug 15 — Paying tribute to Joseph Schooling’s victory at the Rio Olympics and his parents’ unwavering support, Social and Family Development Minister Tan Chuan Jin said that the swimmer’s gold medal “marks a milestone in Singapore’s sporting”, as well as a new beginning.
Tan, who is also the president of the Singapore National Olympic Council, was speaking in Parliament today on a motion to formally recognise Schooling’s achievement. “
It adds to the first Paralympics Gold medal won by Yip Pin Xiu in Bejing 2008. We must build on this success, to strengthen our culture of sports, and make Singapore a sporting nation,” he said.
Tan noted that Schooling already had the mind-set of a champion from as young as eight years old, and his parents had dedicated their lives to supporting his Olympic dreams.
“They made huge sacrifices to provide the fullest support possible to help their son realise their dreams. They were with Joseph every step of the way; they always believed in him, and cheered him on at all his swim meets,” he said.
“They are an embodiment of what family means.”
Tan also congratulated all Team Singapore athletes, including the 25 Olympians and 12 Paralympians.
“The Olympics and the Paralympics are the world’s pinnacles sporting events. To qualify for the Games is already an immense achievement, and they have all done Singapore very proud,” said Tan.
“I hope they will inspire a new generation of sporting talents who are unafraid to chase their dreams and to work hard to achieve their goals.” — TODAY
