Singapore trio honoured by IOC
Three Singaporeans were honoured last night by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for their contributions to the Olympic movement.
Weightlifter Tan Howe Liang, who won Singapore's first Olympic medal when he claimed a silver at the 1960 Rome Games, Singapore National Olympic Council (SNOC) vice-president and former Olympian Dr Tan Eng Liang, and SNOC secretary-general Chris Chan were awarded the IOC Diploma of Merit at a ceremony at Faber Peak Singapore.
The award was first given out in 1905 but was discontinued in 1974.
It was revived on behalf of IOC president Thomas Bach.
The awards were presented by SNOC president Tan Chuan-Jin and Singapore IOC member Ng Ser Miang.
Tan, who is also the Minister for Social and Family Development, said in his address: "Many successful roles in sport require passion, dedication and largely, a spirit of volunteerism and willingness to do something good for the community.
UNSUNG HEROES
"A culture of appreciation and recognition is important to express our gratitude to these unsung heroes and to acknowledge the value of such deeds; deeds which go beyond the normal call of duty, deeds which include sacrifice and exemplary work and services, deeds which serve the community and were conducted without expectations of rewards.
"The lives of Mr Tan Howe Liang, Dr Tan Eng Liang and Mr Chris Chan espoused deeds which have served our community and created a meaningful impact to the Olympic movement."
At last night's ceremony, the IOC and SNOC also presented the IOC Trophy "Sport and Innovation" to Sport Singapore's national movement for sport and physical activity, ActiveSG, for their "innovative and effective ways" of attracting Singaporeans to sport.
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