Following Rio2016, let me do a throwback to our sports themed dinner last year. A successful one which everyone dressed the part as a sportsman.
Thinking back it was pretty funny to see all of us in sports jackets when the weather was humid. But I think it was worth it... for the fun of course.
We had dinner at Char, followed by our sports showcase at Kallang Stadium. LOL! Lastly we ended with some cuppas at Starbucks in Kallang Wave Mall!
While I was clearing some emails, I got bored and surfed the net. Was curious what were under my "favourites". And I revisited this blog! It was quite memorable seeing our past postings. So I thought this blog should be revived!
As suggested by GB, let me start off with a recent event, The Olympics. I am not considered an ardent fan of the game but I do enjoy watching sports like badminton, running and swimming. I must say this year's Olympics covered a lot of human stories which warmed many of our hearts.
For the record, we won our 1st gold medal in Men's 100m butterfly stroke. And it was a 21 year old young man, Joseph Schooling who became a national hero overnight. Just look at the welcome he received when he came back to Singapore! With the water salute, the hundreds of fans waiting at the arrival to the "victory parade" packed with proud Singaporeans, I am sure one wouldn't be able to forget those moments. Yes we all feel really proud.
Personally I love the moment of exchange between Michael Phelps and Joseph after the victory ceremony. The way Joseph looked at Phelps with respect and humbleness and the way Phelps celebrated Joseph's win... I just love that vibe.
And recently the badminton match between Lin Dan and LCW was another heartwarming story. Despite losing, Lin Dan was gracious and I was pretty moved by the note Lin wrote to LCW. Felt a strong sense of friendship; how they see each other as their strongest opponent and Lin shared that it was because of LCW, he wanted to be better. How inspiring is that! This is the power of sports. Not just about winning but always putting in your best to make the game enjoyable and worthwhile. Sadly LCW did not manage to beat China's Chen Long and he settled for silver. Nonetheless LCW is a champion in many's hearts cos he has played very well.
In athletics, I saw how the NZ and USA runners helped each other to complete the race. Indeed showing the spirit of Olympics. And as encouragement both went into the next round. Oh Bolt also caught my attention. I didn't know who he was but when the camera was zooming to the individual runner before the race, this guy actually did a little dance. I was thinking to myself "wah so haolian?" Only cos I didn't know who he was! Then I realised... oh ok he has the quality to be haolian. ... lol. I adore the act of him patting our Singapore's runner Yap. Short moment but definitely encouraging.
I think this year's game was a little more precious because it is the last for Phelps, Lin Dan and LCW. It is sad to think at 30 plus, you are already considered as old to be competing. Being a sportsman is tough and quite short lived in terms of the competing capacity.
When Schooling won our 1st gold, many started to question about did our government even support him at all? Some start to question if he is a true Singaporean. To me, these are noises. A little 马后炮. Most of us Singaporeans, ok at least friends around me and myself are too afraid to venture into something like this. UNLESS there is some sort of guarantee (sure got money), if not most of us are too afraid to follow what the Schoolings did. I admire the family for their faith and love for one another. AND to me he has won it as a Singaporean.
Ok... stay tuned for more random musings.
