SINGAPORE - To rally Singaporeans to get behind Team Singapore's athletes ahead of the upcoming SEA Games, the "#OneTeamSG Ready for KL" campaign was launched on Saturday (June 10).

Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Grace Fu launched the campaign together with more than 50 national athletes at the Singapore Sports Institute.

The SEA Games are from Aug 19-30 in Kuala Lumpur.

The Asean Para Games will take place from Sept 17-23 in the same city.

To forge a stronger team spirit and camaraderie among Team Singapore athletes and para-athletes, almost 500 of them are taking part in a half-day camp held over two weekends at the SSI to bond over team-building activities.

Ms Fu urged the athletes to set higher targets, saying: "I think we need to aim high, fix your goals high, and not be afraid to reach high, because that's how champions are made."

She also encouraged them to be more active in rallying support from the public, saying: "We are trying to get the whole country to support us. I hope all of you can do that part of the sportsmen's work.

"Because it's important for us to see the effect and influence of sports on the nation. And you can do that, not just in competition, on the field, or on the podium. But to get... people to know you."

Netball vice-captain Charmaine Soh emphasised the importance of getting support from Singaporeans to help the team in their quest to retain the title in Malaysia.

The goal-shooter said: "It will definitely be tougher with the home crowd against us this time. Especially when I want to shoot, people in the crowd will be shouting and making a lot of noise to try to distract me.

"We just want to relay the message that KL is very near. So it will be good for fellow Singaporeans to come and watch us."