Singapore's joy and triumph of winning the Olympic Gold medal

Statement by Mr Baey Yam Keng, Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth on the motion to congratulate Joseph Schooling on his achievements at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games

1. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the motion to congratulate Joseph Schooling.

2. To qualify for the Olympics is already an extraordinary achievement. To win an Olympic Gold medal is the dream of every Olympian. For many Athletes and nations around the world, the dream remains a dream. For Joseph and Singapore, the dream has become reality. I was at the OCBC Aquatic Centre to witness this historic moment with the Singapore Swimming Association and the rest of the local swimming fraternity. There were cheers, ecstatic screams and hugs when Joseph won the race in record time. It was an amazing moment that I share with all Singaporeans, and a moment that I will never forget.

3. From a young age while swimming for ACS(I), Joseph was already breaking Schools and National age-group records. At 16, he was also the youngest ever to be crowned Sportsman of the Year, an accolade that he would go on to win two more times. His achievement at the Rio Olympics is the culmination of years of hard work and unwavering support from his family and friends around him.

4. So congratulations once again to Joseph, as well as to Mr and Mrs Schooling!

5. This morning, I was at the airport to receive Joseph with many other Singaporeans. I could feel the sense of pride and joy of those around me as we welcomed home Singapore's first ever Olympic Gold medallist. The entire nation cheered him on while he was in Rio, and now we will celebrate as One Team Singapore. Not everyone could make it to the airport this morning, so I'm delighted that Sport Singapore is planning an open top bus victory parade out on the streets to celebrate Joseph's achievement. This will allow even more Singaporeans to join in the celebrations to share Joseph's and Singapore's joy and triumph of winning the Olympic Gold medal.

6. Joseph's victory is another milestone in our nation's sporting journey. Like Joseph said, this Gold medal proves that even as a small country, we can do extraordinary things. We just need to believe in ourselves, and work hard to achieve our dreams.

7. When Joseph first met Michael Phelps, he was a young star-struck teenager, hoping to one day compete alongside his idol. Last Saturday, he went one step further, beating Phelps to the Olympic Gold medal. I'm glad that our spexScholarships and Race to Rio programme has helped Joseph and the rest of our Olympians fly our flag high on a stage like this. MCCY, together with Sport Singapore, will continue to support many more young athletes, who have no doubt been inspired by Joseph, to similarly excel and fulfil their sporting aspirations.

8. Madam, in the coming weeks, our Paralympians will be heading to Rio. This year, we are sending our largest-ever contingent to the Paralympics – 12 athletes across 6 sports, and almost half of them are debutants.

9. I met most of them at a Team Singapore Send-Off Reception last week. They were in high spirits, all ready to fly our flag high. I urge all Singaporeans to cheer them on with the same fervour and passion.

10. Joseph and his family are here, so I'd like to convey my heartfelt congratulations to them once again. Joseph, I am sure your best years are still ahead of you. I am happy that your request to extend your National Service deferment has just been approved. All the best for the 2020 Olympic Games. All of Singapore will be behind you and every Team Singapore athlete who flies the flag for us so proudly, just as you have done so. Thank you, Madam Speaker.