Standing on the podium in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar with the national anthem playing over the speaker, Team Singapore cyclist Dinah Chan fought to hold back her tears as she realised a childhood dream after clinching Singapore’s first cycling gold medal in 16 years at the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.
The moment was all the more poignant as her victory came less than three months after she was injured in a car accident, an incident which placed her involvement in the year-end biennial regional sports event in jeopardy.
“I was inspired by Joscelin Yeo and our Singapore swimmers back when I was still in school,” said Dinah. “They made me want to represent Singapore, and back then I started dreaming of standing on the podium one day."
She added: “This dream has become a reality, and I am so happy to have accomplished this dream.”
Dinah was one of over 300 Team Singapore athletes from the 27th SEA Games, 7th ASEAN Para Games and 1st Special Olympic Games who were present at The Meadow, Gardens by the Bay at the Singapore 2015 Launch Party as thousands gave them a rousing welcome home following recent feats in their respective Games.
The athletes were also greeted at a welcome reception by the event’s Guest-of-Honour, Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam, President of the Republic of Singapore.
Inspiring the future
Just as past sporting legends have inspired the current generation of Team Singapore athletes, Singapore hopes the success stories of today’s athletes will inspire the sporting futures of many in Singapore.
In his address at the launch party, Mr Lawrence Wong, Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth and Chairman of the Singapore Southeast Asian Games (SINGSOC) Steering Committee said: “Today, we celebrate Singapore’s achievements and also launch our campaign to 2015, which is also the year of our Golden Jubilee.”
“Our athletes will compete with the best in the region, and will strive to improve on their performances in Myanmar. Many have said they are making a special effort for the Games, because they are competing here at home, in front of our home crowd.”
The 28th SEA Games will be held from 5 to 16 June 2015, with the 8th ASEAN Para Games slated to take place at the end of 2015.
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