Comments on: “Represent us … but we’re not responsible for you”

By: Miffed

Miffed — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 08:07:16 +0000

Firstly w regards to the “fun after competition” saga. I think its ridiculous that playing cards, drinking and smoking shisha were tolerated. As far as im concerned, those involved should be punished severely to send out a strong signal. Afterall, we are talking about kids here and those responsible are liable to their parents. Put yourself in the position of a parent and ask youself how you would react if you found out that your kid is venturing into such vices, not to mention at a sports meet where sporting values totally contradict what they were involved in.

Furthermore, I am sure there are better ways of having “fun”. What message are we sending our kids if we tell them that playing cards, drinking and smoking are ways to have “fun”. That would have implications when they reach adulthood. (It would only prob be good news to the IR fraternity. Maybe they can consider holding sports meets.)

Next, I totally agree w Kennths points about positive press coverage. Actually my gripe is about the lack of press coverage. A very good example even in this website is that of the Jakarta 10km race. Only 2 Singaporeans represented our nation but we only had the results of one, Darshananth. We do not even have the full name of the female athlete representing Singapore. We only know her as Elaine (how many Elaines are there in Spore) and the given timing is 41min (exact time?) What about her position? I’m pretty impressed with a girl who can do 41min for 10km. I don’t think many women in Spore can do that timing, probably only a handful so I would like to know where she stands in an international meet. Whoever the reporter was, I do not think it is that difficult to get the particulars and results of ONLY 2 athletes representing our nation. Even if the athlete is not interviewed (There was an article dedicated to Darshananth), I feel that it is only with respect that we acknowledge the effort put in by our local athletes at such events.

By: kenneth

kenneth — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 05:56:29 +0000

I agree that we need more positive press and coverage of our athletes. But what made this case hit the headlines was the fact that those who were drinking were under-aged. You’re not supposed to encourage that as an NSA, especially when the kids were entrusted to your care.

By: passerby

passerby — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 15:04:57 +0000

HEY FELLA

THEY ARE NOW KNOWN AS SAA, NO MORE SAAA

NAME CHANGE BUT THE KOK STILL ARD

By: ex Sprinter

ex Sprinter — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 06:50:45 +0000

This is more like a STOMP reporting, no privacy at all these days with such reportings

Why don’t local media cover more stories than would actually benefit local athletics like the dedication, sacrifices and training of athletes or their coaches

It was after the end of the competition and there was some drinking in their rooms. Plus card playing doesn’t hurt anyone, all they want is to have fun and wind-down. A similar anology; I go to conferences around the world representing my MNC and at the end of such sessions, after being all serious for work, we have some fun at the end of the day. All work and no play is no good, as we all know it right. The important thing is to get the job done, as for our athlete case, they’ve performed well at the recent meets

What makes you think other athletes and even officials are not doing it themselves. The other nations are even worst I might add. I’m a former nat respresentative myself, I know

SAAA has always been known to play the pushing blame game. I’m not surprised they took this long to deliberate and asked the schools to handle it in the end

Nor SAAA have the interest of the athlete at heart for the longest time. They’ll only seek the athletes/coaches when glory is attained and put their foot in, wanting to take credit “Hey we help them groomed them … bla bla bla”

I’d say forive but don’t forget. Indeed I do agree on one thing; SAAA need to get their act right