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I
think humans who live practically half their lives in
water are different from the rest of us. Watching the
Gold medal winning Singapore Water Polo Team training
at the Toa Payoh Swimming Pool, I was envious of how their
bodies seemed to defy gravity, leaping what seemed like
metres off the surface of the water effortlessly. Today,
my attention falls on Lee Sai Meng, one of the national
team player and a resident of Central Singapore District.
For someone who had never heard anything about water polo
in his school days at Outram Secondary, Lee has come a
long way. Today, he does Singapore proud as an outfield
player in the water polo team.
Water polo gives Lee an overwhelming sense of achievement.
A goalkeeper for eight years, Lee says that his move to
outfield playing came about naturally. In fact, the skills
he acquired as a goalkeeper helped him as an outfield
player.
Being a team player, Lee believes in staying close to
all his team
members and it is a common sight to see them all having
supper and drinks together. To him, it is important for
everyone in the team to understand each other even outside
the confines of formal training.
Lee credits the longevity of his sporting career to the
support of his teammates, the Singapore Swimming Association
and the Singapore Sports Council's Sports Excellence Grant
for Loss of Wages, which helps compensate elite athletes
for loss of income while training full-time for major
competitions. |
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When
asked about his hopes for sports in Singapore, he says
he wishes for every Singaporean to recognise the value
of sports and to participate actively in at least one
sport. Not only will this keep them healthy, but it will
also draw Singaporeans closer together. He also hopes
the government will invest more in sports development
as he is confident we will one day make it big in the
international sports arena.
Back to the topic of water polo, he says people should
try it out for themselves. Whether you are male or female,
there is no stopping someone from enjoying water polo.
The most important thing is to enjoy the game.
When asked for a parting word, Lee encourages aspiring
sportsmen and sportswomen to be persistent in their drive
to succeed. Results do not come by luck - only through
hardwork. Wise words. |
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