President Tony Tan drops in on athletes' training ahead of the Olympics and Paralympics

President Tony Tan Keng Yam with athletes who are training for the Olympics and Paralympics, on June 20, 2016. PHOTO: DANIEL NEO FOR THE STRAITS TIMES
President Tony Tan Keng Yam speaking with para-swimmer Theresa Goh, on June 20, 2016. PHOTO: DANIEL NEO FOR THE STRAITS TIMES
President Tony Tan Keng Yam with athletes who are training for the Olympics and Paralympics, on June 20, 2016. PHOTO: DANIEL NEO FOR THE STRAITS TIMES
President Tony Tan Keng Yam drops in on shuttler Derek Wong as he trains for the Olympics on June 20, 2016. PHOTO: DANIEL NEO FOR THE STRAITS TIMES

SINGAPORE - Several Team Singapore athletes had a special visitor during training on Monday (June 20) afternoon, when President Tony Tan Keng Yam dropped in on them at the Singapore Sports Hub.

Dr Tan first visited shuttlers Derek Wong and Liang Xiaoyu at the OCBC Arena, before spending some time at the OCBC Aquatic Centre where he met with para-swimmers Theresa Goh and Yip Pin Xiu, as well as equestrienne Gemma Rose Foo and sailor Jovin Tan.

He said after his visit: "We have a good group (of athletes) this year - 21 so far have qualified for the Olympic Games and nine for the Paralympic Games... It's a big crop - probably the biggest we've sent to the Olympic Games.

"I'm sure they'll do their best, and of course, Singapore will be wishing them well and cheering for them."

Dr Tan also noted that of the 21 who have qualified so far for the Aug 5-21 Olympic Games, a majority are debutants.

He said: "This is a very good sign for Singapore sport, it means we are bringing up young people."

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