Singapore, 30 Mar 2012 (Friday) – Singapore Management University (SMU) and Singapore Sailing Federation (SSF) have inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to promote keelboat sailing among the youths and explore possibilities of working together in sailing related initiatives.
Under the new partnership, SMU and SSF will jointly organise and promote “Sailing in the City” programmes to students and members of the public.
SMU comes onboard as a valued partner of SSF's in bringing Sailing into the City, an initiative launched by SSF in February 2012. SMU's physical location and vibrant array of programmes will thus naturally help contribute to an exciting new landscape at Marina Bay area when eight keelboats (two of which belong to SMU) will be berthed at Marina Bay, together with SSF's keelboats.
SMU President, Professor Arnoud De Meyer said, “SMU values the opportunity to learn from the professionals and best-in-class, through students' and staff's exposure to national and international events and initiatives. We are committed in this effort and we have invested in two boats. Our goal is to join SSF in growing the sailing fraternity and to develop our students' knowledge, skills, and exposure to the real world of managing world class sailing events.”
In Southeast Asia, SMU is the only University to have a keelboat sailing programme. SMU's sailors have, over the years, proven their mettle with their all-round capabilities which include organising and participating in international regattas.
“I have followed SMU's sailing progress since its inception and have constantly been impressed by the growth of the club's programmes. More importantly, SMU's sailors have injected a dose of freshness and life into the sailing scene. I am looking forward to seeing them go on to bigger and better things”, remarked Dr Ben Tan, President of SSF.
Currently, SMU is also the Chair of Singapore Universities Sports Council and will collaborate with SSF to lead the promotion of tertiary sailing and youth development in Singapore, with the aim of creating Inter-Tertiary sailing events.
A first step in that direction will be taken when SMU and SSF jointly organise t he first Asia Pacific Match Racing Student Cup 2012.This international competition is open to both local and international student participants. The race, which will start in September this year at Marina Bay, will coincide with the Formula One races in Singapore.
Professor Arnoud De Meyer, President of SMU and Dr Ben Tan, President of SSF signed the Memorandum of Understanding at Marina Bay City Gallery Pontoon this evening.
Professor Arnoud De Meyer commented, “We are delighted to be invited by SSF to work together towards realising a shared vision to promote sailing in Singapore and contribute towards Vision 2030. We believe this is the result of a long-standing and mutually-beneficial relationship between SSF and our SMU Sailing team that has built a strong foundation of trust.”
Added Dr Ben Tan, “SingaporeSailing shares the view of Aristotle in that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. We believe in synergistic partnerships to collectively promote sailing. Our partnership with SMU to demonstrates this commitment to continually evolve the status quo. SMU's stepping forward to spearhead the promotion of tertiary sailing in Singapore augurs well for the scene.”
Other possible areas of collaboration include the provision of berthing facilities at SSF Marina Bay venue and mutual usage of the eight keelboats, maintenance of the keelboats and usage of safety boats, staff exchange and co-organisation of conferences and seminars. In addition, SMU students will have a chance to engage in industrial attachments at SSF.
SMU also aims to establish a new Lifeskills Centre. It will develop courses that will provide practical lessons in not just sports-related skills, but also in character-building and community spirit development. SMU will also collaborate with SSF to make available these programmes to suitable members of the sailing community.
Currently, SMU has 40 Sports Clubs, run by its students. To encourage greater participation from the public, SMU has, over the years, made available seven signature sports events in which members of the public can join as participants. These events include SMU Adventure Race, SMU annual soccer competition for girls (Diva La Futbol), SMU-SAVA Dragon Boat Race and Western Circuit Sailing Regatta.
About the Singapore Sailing Federation
SingaporeSailing is a National Sports Association and a registered Charity and Institution of Public Character. The governing body for the sport of sailing is affiliated to the Singapore National Olympic Council and International Sailing Federation, and recognised by the Singapore Sports Council as one of the premier National Sports Associations.
Since its inception in 1966, SIngaporeSailing has consistently built on its foundation, nurturing sailors and the sailing scene spanning across generations in Singapore. Many of Singapore's past and present sailors excel not just in the sporting realm but also in their professional life. SingaporeSailing focuses not just on the High Performance aspect, which has consistently delivered results for the nation across decades, but on High Participation programmes and Industry Development initiatives.
Building on success is a constant theme for the Federation as it looks forward to helping Singaporeans ‘Live Better Through Sports' as part of Singapore Sports Council's Vision 2030.