Promoting youth bonding and social cohesion through sports

Mr Patrick Lee, SFCCA Secretary General

Mr Tan Aik Hock, Chairman of SFCCA Youth Committee

Representatives of the Chinese clan associations,

Our Youth Sports Participants,

Ladies and gentlemen,

1. Good evening! I am delighted to join you at the closing of the SFCCA Youth Sports Carnival 2016.

2. In its 4^th edition, the Youth Sports Carnival has been attracting more and more youth participants, who look forward to the opportunity to come together and bond over sport. I commend the SFCCA for your efforts in building a vibrant youth community that will continue to uphold and promote our Chinese heritage and values, and continue to make new friends with various communities and groups in Singapore.

3.  Sport has a tremendous power to inspire. Over the past two months, Singapore celebrated the achievements of our athletes at the Olympics and Paralympics. Their breakthrough performances showed the world that there are top-class talents in Singapore. In the same spirit, I urge our youths to challenge your limits and chase your dreams, be it in sports, the arts or other areas.

4. Over the past few months, while there may have been friendly rivalry on the courts, you have shown sportsmanship, teamwork and respect towards one another. More importantly, you have made new friends and strengthened your networks beyond the competitions. These exchanges are valuable. They will foster better understanding among the clans and cultural groups, strengthen our youth networks, and bring us closer as a community.

5. This year, more than 150 youths have also stepped up as volunteers. I hope the experience has been rewarding for you, knowing that your commitment and hard work have contributed to the success of the event. I congratulate SFCCA, event partners and the volunteers for having organised such a successful event. And to all the youth participants – I hope you have enjoyed the Sports Carnival. Please continue to support the SFCCA, and take part in future events!

6. 各位来宾，各位青年体育选手，女士们，先生们，大家晚上好。我很荣幸能受邀出席今晚的宗乡青年体育节闭幕式暨颁奖礼。来自不同会馆的青年通过体育来增进友谊，我感到十分欣慰。

7. 大家虽然在比赛过程中是对手，但是各位所展现的运动精神、团队精神以及对彼此的尊重非常值得赞许。通过这几个月的互动与交流，更是加深彼此对各宗乡会馆的认识，共同团结于华族文化。

8. 我相信这次的宗乡青年体育节能够继续增进华社之间的凝聚力。感谢宗乡总会以及所有的宗乡会馆对于年轻一代的栽培。在这里，我也要感谢所有参与体育节的青年和志愿者。在此，我祝贺第四届宗乡青年体育节圆满成功！谢谢。