Media release
Satellite Centers For Sports Development Begin Operations
3 July 2010
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Satellite Centers For Sports Development Begin Operations
Olympic Sports Brought To Singapore Youth As First Satellite Centres Are Rolled Out By Three NSAs
Singapore, 3 July 2010 - Following the recent $2.5 million pledge by the government to develop Satellite Centres for Sports Development (SCSDs), the Singapore Sports Council's (SSC) Let's Play movement was given further impetus with the commencement of operations of three SCSDs this weekend.
Targeted at youths aged six to 16, the SCSDs serve as the launching pad for them to learn new sports early in life in a safe, fun and friendly community setting. These sports include those being featured at the Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games (YOG). The SCSDs are being established in existing sports facilities such as schools, sports and recreation centres as well as community centres located in the heartlands. They will be coordinated and managed by the respective National Sports Associations of each sport.
At the Marina Barrage, which is the site of the SCSD for Sailing, the Singapore Sailing Federation (SingaporeSailing) lined up an armada of nearly 20 sailboats to offer to the public free 20-30 minute rides around the Marina Reservoir. This was to encourage potential future sailors to take up the sport. Nearly 50 underprivileged children from homes / centres such as Boys' Town and Muhammadiyah Welfare Home were also brought on a tour of the Marina Barrage.
Young water enthusiasts who wish to take their interest in sailing one step further can sign up for sailing courses organised by SingaporeSailing. From 4 July onwards, SingaporeSailing will be conducting their "SailFun" courses at the Marina Barrage.
"Singaporeans have heard of the many successful overseas exploits of our sailors. This is an opportunity for Singaporeans to try the sport out for themselves. Perhaps this experience may be the start of a lifelong passion, be it in competitive or recreational sailing," said Dr Ben Tan, President, Singapore Sailing Federation. "With Singapore being an island, it would only be natural that more Singaporeans have easy access to the sport, and SingaporeSailing would be happy to facilitate that."
The SCSD for Wrestling also took off with five youths being introduced to the sport of Freestyle Wrestling. The training model was devised by two-time Olympic and six-time World Champion wrestler, Sergei Beloglazov. The SCSD for Wrestling is located at the National Wrestling Centre / Asian Wrestling School at Upper Aljunied Road.
The SCSD for Basketball, located at Bukit Panjang Government High Indoor Sports Hall, will commence operations on Sunday 4 July 2010.
"We want to make all sports available to all youths in Singapore, including those who would otherwise not have the opportunity or resources to participate in sports," said Mr Bob Gambardella, Chief of Sports Development Group, Singapore Sports Council. He added, "The SCSDs will provide these such opportunities and resources for our youths to learn and play sports. This is synergistic with our Let's Play movement, which seeks to encourage everyone in Singapore to embrace sports as a lifestyle choice. We are confident that the SCSDs will build on the legacy of the YOG by championing sporting values such as confidence, sportsmanship, respect and other lessons gained from an active sporting lifestyle."
Annex 1 - Satellite Centres for Sports Development Programmes
Wrestling Satellite Centre
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Overview: | Participants will undergo a special training model devised by 2-time Olympic and 6-time World Champion Wrestler, Sergei Beloglazov, introducing the Olympic discipline of Freestyle Wrestling. |
Over 10 weeks, participants will work their way towards attaining the yellow belt, and will receive a certificate of participation upon completion of the course. | |
Wrestling will help enhance the participants' overall development such as confidence, mental strength, self-discipline and respect. | |
Venue: | National Wrestling Centre / Asian Wrestling School |
102 Upper Aljunied Rd (2nd Floor) Singapore 367855 | |
Dates: | 10 weeks commencing Saturday 3rd July 201 |
Times: | Two sessions will be conducted every Saturda |
Age Group: | Participants will be divided into two age groups: |
Group | 7 - 12 years ol |
Number of participants: | 20 per session |
Certification: | After 10 weeks, participants will be at least half-way to achieving the yellow belt |
Next Steps: | The sessions will continue, allowing participants to work through the belt system |
Cost: | $85 per participant, 15 hours of instruction over 10 weeks |
Registration Details: | Registration may be completed online via the website (https://www.singaporewrestling.com), by phone (6280 4748) or walk-in at the National Wrestling Centre at 102 Upper Aljunied Road. |
Instructors: | Two qualified wrestling instructors |
Sailing Satellite Centre
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Overview: | An introductory programme on the sport of sailing combined with the development of knowledge, including understanding the environment, weather, tides, and decision-making. |
Sailing as a sport strongly contributes to important life-skills such as leadership, teamwork, applying scientific principles to real life scenarios and water safety. | |
Venue: | Marina Barrage |
Dates: | Commencing on Saturday 3 July 2010 / Sunday 4 July 2010 and operating for 30 weeks of the year |
Times: | 4 half-day sessions will be conducted per weekend. |
Every Saturday and Sunda | |
Age Group: | 7 - 14 years old |
Instructors: | 4 qualified instructors |
Number of participants: | 16 participants per half-day session |
Certification: | Participants will receive certification on completion of the half-day session |
Next Steps: | Participants can follow the comprehensive Singapore Sailing Federation system. The next step would be to complete the 4-day SailSmart, based at the National Sailing Centre or basic sailing courses available at sailing clubs islandwide. |
Cost: | $50 per participant, 3.5 hours of instruction. (1 coach to 4 participants) |
Registration Details: | Registration may be completed online via the website (https://www.sailing.org.sg), by phone (6444 4555), e-mail ( gosailing@singaporesailing.org.sg ), or walk-in to the National Sailing Centre at 1500 East Coast Parkway, Singapore 468963. |
Basketball Satellite Centre
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Overview: | The Basketball programme will consist of 12 weeks of small sided games as well as guidance and coaching from qualified coaches. |
The sport will help hone the participants' life skills in areas of teamwork, decision-making and leadership and promotes a high level of fitness. (Participants get to bring home a basketball upon registration) | |
Venue: | Bukit Panjang Government High - Indoor Sports Hall 7, Choa Chu Kang Avenue 4 Singapore 689809 |
Dates: | 12 weeks commencing Sunday 4 July 201 |
Times: | 3 sessions will be conducted every Sunda |
Age Group: | Participants will be divided into three age groups: |
Group | 6 - 8 years ol |
Instructors: | 3 qualified instructors |
Number of participants: | 30 per session |
Certification: | Participants will receive a certificate upon completion of the 10- week programme |
Next Steps: | Sessions will continue throughout the year. Participants can join in Singapore Basketball Association's other advance initiatives. |
Cost: | $180 for 12 weeks, 20 hours instruction. |
Registration Details: | Registration may be completed online via the website (https://www.bas.org.sg), by phone (6743 8425), e-mail ( ) or walk-in to the Singapore Basketball Centre at 601 Aljunied Crescent, #01-04, Singapore 389862 |