SINGAPORE - The Singapore Table Tennis Association (STTA) raised over $440,000 at a gala dinner held on Saturday evening at the Marina Mandarin Hotel.
The amount raised will go towards its youth development programmes as well as other operating costs, which will, in turn, help to groom more talent to further the growth of the sport in Singapore.
Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean was the guest of honour at the dinner, which also saw top paddlers Feng Tianwei and Yu Mengyu in attendance.
Local paddlers such as Clarence Chew and Isabelle Li are examples of paddlers who have benefited from the STTA's youth development schemes. Both featured at last month's SEA Games, with Li playing a part in the women's gold-winning team event, while Clarence finished with a gold (men's team) and two bronzes (singles, men's doubles).
Table tennis finished with a haul of six golds, one silver and three bronzes at the SEA Games, missing out on its target of a clean sweep of all seven titles.
Said Ellen Lee, STTA president: "I would like to thank all the donors for the very generous support of STTA. These funds will help the STTA to nurture the next generation of sporting champions. In addition, our fund-raising efforts will provide support to our young athletes and offer them platforms and opportunities where they can pursue their dreams and fulfil their aspirations."
