1. Partners and Colleagues, Principals, Teachers, Parents, Students.
2. A very good afternoon to all of you. Welcome to the 2025 National School Games Opening Ceremony.
3. As we gather today to mark the start of another exciting season of inter-school sports competition, we also celebrate a legacy of character development and sporting excellence that has defined the NSG for more than six decades.
SG60 – Celebration Through Sports
4. In fact, the earliest edition of the inter-school games was organised in 1959 even before Singapore became independent, by the Singapore Combined Schools Sports Councils. From my interactions with our student-athletes, I have discovered a heartwarming legacy. Many, like Caedmon Tan, Gerald Tan and Ayra Azman are following in their parents' footsteps. Mr Tan Hee Pheng, Mr Tan Chong Kiat and Ms Nurhafizah Binte Abu Sajad once competitors in these inter-school games themselves, now proudly watch their children continue this sporting tradition. The history and longevity of the NSG is in itself worth celebrating, as it has and continues to provide a shared experience that connects generations of Singaporeans together.
5. What makes the NSG special is not just its history and longevity, but its power to shape our future. On the playing fields, we see student-athletes demonstrating values such as teamwork, discipline and resilience. We also witness teammates of different races and diverse backgrounds coming together and striving for a common goal. Through the NSG, we see the very essence of what has made and will continue to make Singapore work for decades to come.
6. This year, as Singapore commemorates its 60th year of independence, we are reminded of the journey our nation has taken together. It is a journey reflected in the history of the NSG where student-athletes across generations demonstrate strength of character, and embody the spirit of our national pledge to strive together as one team regardless of race, language, or religion. Long may this continue.
Teachers and Coaches as Inspiring Role Models
7. We cannot take for granted that our student-athletes will continue to demonstrate strength of character. To ensure that they do so, we need teachers and coaches who recognise the power of sports in shaping character, who look beyond the scoreboard and create environments where our students can push limits, learn from mistakes, and grow.
8. Mr Paul Tan, the coach of the ACJC Water Polo team, exemplifies what it means to be a role model in sports. His passion for Water Polo, which he played as a student, led him to become a teacher-coach. Driven by his belief that sports can mould well-rounded individuals, Paul has been influencing students both in and out of the pool for nearly a decade.
9. Paul does not just talk the talk but walks it too. In 2023, at the age of 39, he joined the Singapore Water Polo national team, training alongside a former student he had coached. Together, they won gold at the 2023 SEA Games held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
10. Sanjay s/o Radakrishnan, a teacher-coach from Northbrooks Secondary School, shares Paul's conviction in the power of sports to develop character. A decade ago, he founded Dare to Dream, a running interest group in his school, and went on to coach many students who have competed at the NSG over the years. When asked what values one can learn through sports and competitions, he cited discipline, resilience and empathy, values imbibed from his own teacher-coaches when he was himself a student-athlete. The opportunity to in turn develop the character of his students is what drives Sanjay to grow Dare to Dream.
11. Sanjay's impact on his student-athletes extends beyond the track. For the past five years, he has spearheaded Dare to Dream's participation in the annual Relay For Life charity run. Together with his student-athletes, Sanjay has helped to raise thousands of dollars for the Singapore Cancer Society. Besides nurturing his student-athletes for sporting excellence, Sanjay is nurturing them to be active contributors to our community.
12. As with most coaches, both Sanjay and Paul naturally desire for their students to do well and win – being competitive is natural to athletes. However, it is clear that they have larger goals for their student-athletes beyond victory or the medals that come with it. They aspire for student-athletes to become better versions of themselves every day, both on and off the playing field.
13. Paul and Sanjay put into action the NSG motto, "Character in Sporting Excellence" which we hope that all our teachers and coaches epitomise in training and competition.
14. Teachers and coaches, in your hands, every training session and game can be a life lesson. And through your hands, our student-athletes will continue to demonstrate strength of character.
Students as Torchbearers of the NSG Legacy
15. One of our torch bearers today, Gabby Wang from Rulang Primary School, has done exactly that. Before the NSG softball competition last year, Gabby fractured her finger, which sidelined her from participating. Initially disappointed, she found other ways she could contribute and became her team's most vocal supporter. She was there at every game to cheer on her teammates and provide support from the bench.
16. By turning personal disappointment into strength for her team, Gabby demonstrated resilience and character.
17. Another inspiring example is Liyana Indah, today's oath taker from Meridian Secondary School who is also in the Under-19 National Development Squad. Being in the final year of secondary school, Liyana has to juggle both studies and football training. Despite her busy schedule, Liyana takes the time to help her teammates improve their skills and grow as a team. Liyana's goal of becoming a professional footballer drives her, but equally important to her is making her school proud and keeping her juniors inspired.
18. Like Gabby and Liyana, boys and girls, you should not strive just for personal glory at the NSG, but also to make the NSG a positive experience for everyone you interact with. Support your teammates, encourage your competitors, and show gratitude to your teachers, coaches and the many officials who make these games possible for you.
19. As we celebrate SG60 and the rich history of the NSG, you have the opportunity to contribute to this legacy. Give your best in every match, look out for and uplift your teammates, respect your opponents and the officials. That is how we will inspire each other.
Conclusion
20. The ultimate winner in NSG is not just the individual, but Team Singapore, where we spur each other on. I wish all of you the very best and I declare NSG 2025 open.
21. Let the games begin!