Singapore Government Press Release

Media Division, Ministry of Information and The Arts,

36th Storey, PSA Building, 460 Alexandra Road, Singapore 119963.

Tel: 3757794/5

___________________________________________________________

SPEECH BY RADM TEO CHEE HEAN, MINISTER FOR EDUCATION AND 2ND MINISTER FOR DEFENCE AND PRESIDENT OF THE SINGAPORE NATIONAL OLYMPIC COUNCIL AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE 14TH COMMONWEALTH TABLE TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS ON FRIDAY, 11 FEBRUARY 2000 AT 8PM AT THE TOA PAYOH SPORTS HALL

 

Mr Alan Ransome

Chairman, Commonwealth Table Tennis Federation.

Mr Ng Ser Miang

Chairman, Singapore Sports Council.

Mr Yeo Guat Kwang

President, Singapore Table Tennis Association.

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen.

Good evening.

I am honoured to be here this evening for the Opening Ceremony of the 14th Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships. It is, indeed, a significant event for Singapore and the Singapore Table Tennis Association as this prestigious tournament makes its third appearance in Singapore since its inauguration in 1971.

These Championships are a major sporting event within the Commonwealth. This event has experienced steady success over the years and the number of participating teams has increased. Without a doubt, over the next few days, Singaporeans will be treated to a smashing time, what with so many quality players in the line up including Singapore�s very own world number 18 and 35 respectively Li Jiawei and Jing Junghong, world number 24 Geng Lijuan of Canada, New Zealand�s world number 39 Li Chunli and the men�s world number 26 Johnny Huang from Canada.

It will also be an occasion when friendly ties are forged in the spirit of sportsmanship. I hope that players of all nationalities � be they Asians, Europeans or Africans alike � would take this opportunity to build on the goodwill of the Commonwealth and demonstrate that sports can, and does, bring the world together.

I would like to extend my heartiest congratulations to both the Singapore Table Tennis Association and the Commonwealth Table Tennis Federation for their joint efforts in organising this event. The STTA, over the years, has done an excellent job in developing the sport at the recreational, national, and elite levels. They have also produced quality players who have done Singapore proud in regional and world-class tournaments.

On the same note, the STTA also deserves a pat on the back for its strong and able management team, a comprehensive youth development scheme and long-term plans for its elite players.

Lastly, I would like to extend a warm welcome to all officials and athletes and wish each and every one of you the very best during the tournament.

With that, it is my pleasure to declare the 14th Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships open.

Thank you.