tch19990911e Singapore Government PRESS RELEASE Media Division, Ministry of Information and the Arts, #36-00 PSA Building, 460 Alexandra Road, Singapore 119963. Tel: 3757794/5 ==================================================================== EMBARGO INSTRUCTIONS The attached press release/speech is EMBARGOED UNTIL AFTER DELIVERY. Please check against delivery. For assistance call 3757795 ==================================================================== SPRInter 4.0, Singapore's Press Releases on the Internet, is located at: http://www.gov.sg/sprinter/ ==================================================================== SPEECH BY RADM TEO CHEE HEAN, MINISTER FOR EDUCATION AND SECOND MINISTER FOR DEFENCE AND PRESIDENT, SNOC AT THE 1ST SEA JUDO CHAMPIONSHIP 1999, OPENING CEREMONY, AT THE BEDOK INDOOR STADIUM, ON SATURDAY 11 SEPTEMBER 1999 AT 11.05AM Mr Yoshinori Takeuchi, President, Judo Union of Asia, Mr K S Moorthy, President, Singapore Judo Federation Ladies and Gentlemen I am happy to be here at this Opening Ceremony of the 1st South East Asian Judo Championship to be held in Singapore for the South East Asian region. 2 I understand that nine countries in the region are participating in this tournament. My warm welcome to all of you. 3 I must congratulate the Singapore Judo Federation for its commitment to promote Judo competition in the region. This tournament is therefore a timely replacement for the absence of the Olympic sport of Judo in the 20th SEA Games held recently. 4 I was also informed that this event is preceded by an Olympic Solidarity Course and Judo Union of Asia’s Seminar on Refereeing and Coaching. I am sure the participants who have come from Hong Kong, Japan, Macau, Mongolia and Taiwan, in addition to those from South East Asia, have benefitted from the seminar and course. Page 1 tch19990911e 5 When Jigoro Kano founded the noble art of Judo, he gave the world an Asian martial art steeped with the attributes of individual discipline and strength in mind and body. It is important to develop these attributes not only among judokas but also in the general education of young people, especially towards meeting the stresses of modern-day living. 6 Once again, my congratulations and appreciation to the Singapore Judo Federation for inviting me here and my appreciation also to the officials from the Judo Union of Asia who have contributed to the Seminar and the Olympic Solidarity Course. 7 Thank you. Page 2.