President Halimah Yacob hails athletes' 'incredible achievements' at major Games at Istana reception

Team Singapore athletes at the Asean Para Games in Kuala Lumpur on Sept 17, 2017. President Halimah Yacob hosted a reception at the Istana to congratulate Singapore athletes for their performances last year, on Feb 28, 2018. PHOTO: SPORT SINGAPORE

SINGAPORE - More than 300 national athletes were congratulated by President Halimah Yacob on Wednesday (Feb 28) for their performances at the 2017 SEA Games and Asean Para Games in Kuala Lumpur and the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Austria.

Addressing the athletes and officials during a reception at the Istana, she thanked them for flying the Singapore flag high at the three Games, as well as last month's Winter Olympic Games.

The Republic's athletes recorded their best away haul at the August SEA Games with 58 golds, 58 silvers and 72 bronzes. A month later, the Asean Para Games contingent returned home with nine golds, 17 silvers and 24 bronzes - their biggest away medal haul.

At the Special Olympics World Winter Games last March, Singapore won three golds, five silvers and three bronzes.

On Feb 17, short track speed skater Cheyenne Goh also made history by becoming the first Singaporean to compete at the Winter Olympics, which took place in Pyeongchang, South Korea.

The 18-year-old finished fifth among sixth competitors in her 1,500m heat (28 out of 31 overall) and did not qualify for the semi-finals.

Said Madam Halimah: "These are incredible achievements, and they were made possible because of your hard work, resilience and dedication.

"You are an inspiration to other young aspiring athletes; a role model for your peers; and a source of national pride for all Singaporeans."

She also thanked the coaches, national sports associations, officials, sport scientists and medical personnel for the support rendered to athletes.

Noting that athletes are already gearing up for this year's Commonwealth Games, Asian Games and Asian Para Games, the President wished them success, adding: "We will be cheering for you together as One Team Singapore."

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