In a dazzling celebration of sporting history, Sport Singapore marks its 50th anniversary with a grand showcase of the nation’s athletic legacy. The festivities kicked off today with the launch of a gripping new book, “Sport in Singapore: Visions for Change,” alongside the unveiling of a captivating sports heritage exhibition.
Authored by Dr. Nick Aplin, Sport Singapore’s Deputy Director of Sport Heritage and esteemed sport historian, this final edition of the trilogy delves deep into Singapore’s sporting evolution. Titled “Sport in Singapore: Visions for Change,” the book offers a unique perspective through the eyes of former Chairmen and Chief Executive Officers who played pivotal roles in shaping and actualizing the vision of sport in Singapore.
This literary masterpiece follows its predecessors, “Sport in Singapore: The Colonial Legacy” (2019) and “Sport in Singapore: The Rocky Road To Kallang Park” (2023). A larger-than-life installation of the book takes center stage at The Plaza, National Library Building, providing a visually stunning backdrop to the exhibition.
The exhibition itself is a tribute to the significant sporting milestones of the past five decades. From Singapore’s inaugural Olympic medal in 1960 to the inauguration of the National Stadium in 1973, each panel installation showcases a piece of the nation’s proud sporting history. Collaborating with the National Heritage Board, the exhibition proudly features two rare copies of The Sportsman Magazine, reproductions from the originals housed in the National Museum of Singapore.
Former champions like P.C. Suppiah, James Wong, and the dynamic father-son duo Wong Shoon Keat and Derek Wong took guests on a guided tour, sharing their remarkable experiences in advancing their respective sports. The 320 carefully selected magazine covers adorning the exhibition panels create a mesmerizing journey through the diverse sporting landscape of Singapore from the 1970s to the present.
Adding a contemporary touch, current TeamSG athletes, including Michelle Sng, Eric Yee, Maisarah Mohamed Hassan, Ryan Tan Rui Yang, and Johann Prajogo, were present to share their inspiring sporting journeys with the visitors.
A special highlight of the exhibition is the digital and interactive display of The Sportsman magazines, a publication initiated in 1930 by Singapore’s first President, Mr. Yusof Ishak. Offering a captivating view of the sporting culture in the Straits during the 1930s, these rare pictorials, in collaboration with the National Heritage Board and Sport Singapore, make their public debut.
Open to the public until 10 January 2024, at The Plaza, National Library Building, this exhibition promises a nostalgic journey through the annals of Singapore’s sporting history.
