The Singapore National Olympic Council (SNOC) launched a book profiling 50 of the nation's most inspiring sports stories on Friday evening at the Sports Hub Library.
Titled 50est: Stirring Stories For The Singapore Soul, it compiles tales that go beyond national athletes' sporting achievements, but instead also looks at how they have overcome various trials and setbacks in their lives to triumph in the sporting arenas.
Both past and present athletes are featured in the book, which was launched by Mr Tan Chuan-Jin, Minister for Manpower and Minister for Social and Family Development.
Said Mr Tan, who is also president of the SNOC: "More significant than their triumphs must be the way they overcame all kinds of odds to fulfil their dreams. Indeed for these athletes and others like them every win is a testimony of not just their skills but also their resilience and fighting spirit.
"Athletes are the heart of sports, people are the heart of our nation. Everyone can make a difference to help build a better society to live in. My aspiration is that Singaporeans - whether young or old - when discovering our athletes' stories, also discover their own purpose and pursuit for a meaningful life."
Athletes featured in the book, such as former sprinter U.K. Shyam, shooter Lee Wung Yew, Youth Olympic gold medallist sailor Bernie Chin and Singapore's first Olympic gymnast Lim Heem Wei were also present at the launch.
The SNOC will be distributing the books to libraries in primary and secondary schools, as well as the Sports Hub Library. Copies will also be distributed to other organisations and Institutes of Higher Learning, national sports associations and the National Library Board.
While the book is not for sale, the stories and photos are available for the public to access via www.snoc.org.sg/50est, where they can also download an electronic copy of the book.
In conjunction with the launch of the book, some athletes such as water-skier Sasha Christian, 2013 SEA Games marathon champion Mok Ying Ren, gymnast Lim and shooter Lee will also be at a public meet and greet on Saturday.
Meet and Greet Team Singapore athletes
Who: Lim Yao Xiang (water polo), Sasha Christian (water-ski), Lim Heem Wei (gymnastics), Lee Wung Yew (shooting), Mok Ying Ren (marathon)
Where: Sports Hub Library, Singapore Sports Hub
When: April 18, 3pm-5pm.
The event is free of charge. First 100 to register will receive a copy of the book. Register online at http://goo.gl/WXVeFC
