ADVISOR : DR YAACOB IBRAHIM (Minister for Community Development and Sports)
EVENTS : UNVEILING OF THE EMBLEM FOR THE 117TH IOC SESSION IN SINGAPORE
VENUE : SWISSOTEL THE STAMFORD
DATE : FRIDAY, 14 MAY 2004, 4.00PM

RAdm Teo, President of SNOC and Minister for Defence

Mr Ng Ser Miang, IOC Member in Singapore

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good afternoon

I am glad to be here today for the 117th IOC Session Emblem unveiling ceremony. Singapore is honoured to be given the opportunity to host such a significant event where the host country for the biggest international Sporting event i.e. the 2012 Olympics will be decided and announced here. In addition, the Session will also review the Olympics programme which currently has 28 sports. I believe there will be much interest in this IOC session.

A role in sport on the world stage

Sport has a vibrant international dimension that is unique in its own way. In our pursuit of a Sporting Singapore vision, it is imperative for us to be part of this global sporting family. By being the host for the IOC Session, we are making a significant step towards this. We should tap into this international network to complement our sports promotion efforts. At the same time, we also hope to continue to play a key role in the hosting of international events and conferences. This exposure will not only put us on the global map of sport but also benefit the domestic sports scene.

Team Singapore Spirit

The 117th IOC Session is an important international event which requires the cooperation and support of many agencies and all Singaporeans. Different government authorities and agencies will have to work together to facilitate the hosting of the session. All Singaporeans, through the various fringe activities, will have the opportunity to be involved in one way or another. I am sure our agencies and our people will live up to the occasion. The Session will be one of the best occasions for us to demonstrate our Team Singapore spirit.

Volunteers for Sports

As with any organization of major events, volunteers are an important ingredient for the successful delivery of event. For Singapore, we have already built a good base of sports volunteers through international events like the Marathon and Rugby Sevens. The IOC Session in year 2005 would undoubtedly reach out to more Singaporeans. It would give us an excellent opportunity to display our hospitality to the world and at the same time, broaden Singaporeans' experience with sports and international events.

Singapore has the necessary infrastructure and expertise for a major sport event like the 117th IOC Session in 2005. With the dedication of the organising committee and the commitment from the various partners involved, I am confident that we are able to host the Session successfully.

Thank you