Embargoed Till Thursday, 28 January, 5Pm

PRESS RELEASE

28 January 2016 Embargoed till Thursday, 28 January, 5pm

National School Games (NSG) 2016 kicks-off at the Singapore Sports Hub

1.784 student athletes played their first round National School Game (NSG) matches at the Singapore Sports Hub at the NSG Opening Ceremony on 28 January 2016. This marked the start of the annual inter-school games, where the Guest- of-Honour was Dr Janil Puthucheary, Minister of State, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Communications and Information.

2. This year was the first time that five NSG competitions - Badminton, Basketball, Netball, Table Tennis and Volleyball - were held simultaneously immediately after the ceremonial launch. Student athletes from three other sports – Fencing, Gymn astics and Taekwondo, also showcased their diverse skills and talent at the Opening Ceremony.

3. The NSG, which runs from 6 January 2016 to 31 August 2016, is the largest and most extensive annual youth sports event in Singapore. The number of students participating in the games today has increased by nearly three-fold since its inception 30 years ago, from 20,000 student-athletes (4% of the student populati on) in 1986 to an estimated 55,000 students (12% of the student population) acro ss 29 sports this year.

4. The annual NSG signifies the commitment by the Singapore Primary Schools Sp orts Council (SPSSC) and the Singapore Schools Sports Council (SSSC) to provi de opportunities for students to participate in the inter-school competition undergi rded by the Council’s motto, ‘Character in Sporting Excellence’. This year, to acknowledge the important role of spectators in the competitions, the Council also launched a Spectators’ Creed (see Annex A) focusing on values related to students being a ‘Respectful Supporter’, ‘Caring Motivator’ and ‘Responsible Spectator’.

5. Schools will conduct their own symbolic ceremony in February 2016 to provide students with the opportunity to celebrate the opening of the NSG and allow them to better appreciate the value of sports participation. Students will listen to the NS G message from Dr Janil Puthucheary, Minister of State, Ministry of Education

1 and Minister of Communications and Information, and view excerpts of the Openi ng Ceremony on the MOE YouTube channel.

MINSTRY OF EDUCATION

For media enquiries, please contact:

Ms Sarina Chng Officer, Media Relations Branch Communications Division Communications & Engagement Group Ministry of Education Tel: 6879 7605 (O) / 9837 0998 (HP) Email: [email protected]

2 ANNEX A

Spectators’ Creed

Be a Respectful Supporter- • Applaud excellence and fair play. • Appreciate the efforts of all athletes, teachers, coaches, officials and organisers.

Be a Caring Motivator- • Cheer to encourage and motivate. • Care for athletes’ well-being.

Be a Responsible Spectator- • Keep the venue safe and comfortable for all. • Keep the venue clean.