Opening Remarks by President Tony Tan Keng Yam at the Book Launch of the '50 Greatest Moments in Singapore Football'

Mr Zainudin Nordin
President
Football Association of Singapore

Distinguished Guests

Ladies and Gentlemen

        A very good evening to you.

        Sports play an important role in character, community and even nation building. Because of its participative and inclusive nature sports have the power to bring together people and communities from different cultural and ethnic groups. Sports also teach discipline, the value of effort, tolerance, cooperation and respect. One can also learn how to manage victory, as well as defeat through sports. 

        More than any other sport, football brings together Singaporeans from all walks of life, across generations and races. Singaporeans come together to cheer for the national team whenever it plays. There have been many great moments in Singapore football.

        Our first Malaysia Cup win as an independent Singapore in 1965 has historic significance. We had to wait for another 12 years before we won the Malaysia Cup again in 1977 but what a victory that was. Many also count Singapore’s capture of the Tiger Cup in 1998 in our first international tournament success as another great moment in our footballing history.  After the opening of the Kallang Stadium in 1973, generations of Singaporeans were part of the legendary Kallang Roar and Kallang Wave at the stadium whenever the Singapore national football team played at the Stadium. These moments have brought together generations of Singaporeans and we should preserve their memories for future generations.

        The book “50 Greatest Moments in Singapore Football” is a project undertaken by a group of volunteers known as the “Legion of Lions” that includes former football nationals and others such as Mr Lau Kok Keng, a law partner at Rajah and Tann, and Mr Ian Mullane, CEO of Vanda Sports Group.  This project is spearheaded by former Lions Captain Mr Leong Kok Fann with the support of corporate partners like Singapore Pools, FAS and SPH. The book features moments selected by a panel of former football internationals and journalists after taking into account contributions from football fans.

        I note that the project has also brought together football stars from different generations, who are also here with us tonight. This project, which started as a ground-up initiative led by volunteers and has garnered broad-based participation from the community, illustrates the power of football in bringing people together.

        I congratulate all of you for a job well done. The memories captured in this book will deepen the sense of shared heritage and rootedness among Singaporeans. May there be more great moments to come for Singapore football.

        Thank you and I wish everyone an enjoyable time.