Loh
07-23-2008, 11:09 PM
The Straits Times
July 24 2008
By Lin Xinyi
With about 700 athletes and officials from 24 countries set to land in Singapore for their final Olympic preparations, the Republic could get a $3.5 million boost in tourism receipts.
The economic spin-off is one of many benefits that stems from hosting the 32 teams - the highest number f foreign teams acclimatising in the Republic before a major Games - said Singapore Sports Council (SSC) chief excutive officer Oon Jin Teik yesterday.
He said: "Beyond the economic returns, we're looking at a lot of positive benefits for our athletes, coaches, sports scientists and sports industry.
"While engaging those athletes, there are many opportunities for the Singapore sporting fraternity to learn from them."
Singapore is not the only Asian country that has attracted Olympic teams en route to Beijing with its infrastructure, culture and climate. (and similar time zone)
Nearly 1,000 athletes and officials from over 25 nations are descending on Japan to fine-tune their Olympic preparations. South Korea will host hundreds more.
The SSC hopes that the arrival of stars like American swimmer Michael Phelps and Brazilian footballer Ronaldinho is the first of many.
Its vision is for Singapore to be an international high-performance training hub - not just for the 2008 Olympics but also beyond the Beijing Games.
Several teams are in talks with the SSC regarding the setting up of camps before the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi and the 2011 World Swimming Championships in Shanghai.
They include the United States' shooting, fencing and swimming teams and Canada's athletics and swimming teams.
The establishment of an international high-performance training hub will serve Singapore well.
It will enhance the Republic's own high-performance training system.
Oon said: "It is about developing a system that can produce world-class athletes every year.
"The quickest way for us is to collaborate with the world."
July 24 2008
By Lin Xinyi
With about 700 athletes and officials from 24 countries set to land in Singapore for their final Olympic preparations, the Republic could get a $3.5 million boost in tourism receipts.
The economic spin-off is one of many benefits that stems from hosting the 32 teams - the highest number f foreign teams acclimatising in the Republic before a major Games - said Singapore Sports Council (SSC) chief excutive officer Oon Jin Teik yesterday.
He said: "Beyond the economic returns, we're looking at a lot of positive benefits for our athletes, coaches, sports scientists and sports industry.
"While engaging those athletes, there are many opportunities for the Singapore sporting fraternity to learn from them."
Singapore is not the only Asian country that has attracted Olympic teams en route to Beijing with its infrastructure, culture and climate. (and similar time zone)
Nearly 1,000 athletes and officials from over 25 nations are descending on Japan to fine-tune their Olympic preparations. South Korea will host hundreds more.
The SSC hopes that the arrival of stars like American swimmer Michael Phelps and Brazilian footballer Ronaldinho is the first of many.
Its vision is for Singapore to be an international high-performance training hub - not just for the 2008 Olympics but also beyond the Beijing Games.
Several teams are in talks with the SSC regarding the setting up of camps before the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi and the 2011 World Swimming Championships in Shanghai.
They include the United States' shooting, fencing and swimming teams and Canada's athletics and swimming teams.
The establishment of an international high-performance training hub will serve Singapore well.
It will enhance the Republic's own high-performance training system.
Oon said: "It is about developing a system that can produce world-class athletes every year.
"The quickest way for us is to collaborate with the world."