Making Waves in Singapore’s Sporting History

Speech by Mr Edwin Tong, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth & Second Minister for Law, at the World Aquatics Championship 100-Day Countdown and SG60 Swim Challenge Launch on 2 April 2025

1. Good morning, everyone. Thank you very much for joining us here. 
2. I want to say a big thank you to all the people who made today happen. And more importantly, the people who made this event possible.
1. We are 100 days away from the World Aquatics Championships. This will be a massive, major event.
2. This is something that we are proud to host in our SG60 year - one of the top competitions in the world and the first time it is ever held in Southeast Asia
3. So, I want to say a big thank you to the team behind the team, and the team behind them – it is a big project
4. And to the many partners that have joined us on this journey, supporting us, cheering us on
5. Now, we are on a final stretch, 100 days away from the start of the World Aquatics Championships 2025, right here in Singapore
3. I want to say that this is not just about top-class championships although you will see a lot of that, of course.
1. But this is also about how it inspires and brings us all together,
2. Whether you are an elite swimmer, a recreational swimmer, or a part-time swimmer. All of us are welcome to take part in these championships
3. There will be a space and a role for all of us to play.

“Water Shapes Us”

4. That is why, in many ways, this is called “Water Shapes Us”. This is our tagline for the World Aquatics Championships – why did we choose this?
1. Because over our history, from the time when we were a small, little fishing port all the way to what we are today as a global hub, water has always been all around us.
2. Water has always challenged us, but we have always overcome it. We have used it to our advantage, and we have done well in water, underwater, everything around water.

Opportunities for All to Connect and Create Shared Experiences

5. Today will also be the start of community activations.
1. The first Pesta Sukan event this year will be the SG60 Swim Challenge.
1. We will be able to bring everyone together, whether it is your neighbour, your friend, your family. All can take part.
6. And if you are not able to take part in water, you can also join in on land,
1. Cheering on the participants with Team Nila, making sure that everyone feels and hears your presence.
7. So, be it in water or outside water, all of us have a role to play to make this a fantastic World Aquatics Championships in our SG60 year.

Conclusion

8. Once again, I want to say a big thank you to all our neighbours from Sembawang – thank you for joining us.
9. To all our supporters, sponsors, donors, partners and the team who made this happen – thank you very much to all of you.
10. 100 days to go is not a long time, and we are now on the final stretch towards the World Aquatics Championships, something that we are all looking forward to very much in our SG60 year.
11. Thank you.