Minister for Education Heng Swee Keat emphasised the importance of character development through sport on Friday, when he attended the official opening of this year's National School Games (NSG).

"Sporting excellence and character development are inextricably linked," said Mr Heng at the Jurong East Sports and Cultural Centre.

"Every athlete will face both winning and losing. Our student-athletes must learn to deal with both and learn through them."

An estimated 55,000 students from both primary and secondary schools will participate across 29 sports this year.