Ex-SA head Tang eyes international role
At appreciation dinner, former athletics chief says he is keen to be on IAAF or AAA
It was an evening to celebrate the achievements of his recently concluded six-year tenure as president of Singapore Athletics (SA).
However, Tang Weng Fei is already looking firmly to the future as he is targeting a post with either the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) or AAA (Asian Athletics Association) in three years' time.
New SA chief Ho Mun Cheong held an appreciation dinner to honour Tang at the Keppel Club yesterday.
The event was a light-hearted and casual affair involving various members of Singapore's track and field fraternity, including former International Olympic Committee vice-president Ng Ser Miang.
As with such farewell gatherings, Tang gave a short speech, where he reiterated his desire to continue his involvement with athletics on the bigger stage.
"I am not going to give up," he announced to much applause.
"There's another election in 2019, both in AAA and IAAF, and I will once again try my best."
Last year, Tang was in the running for IAAF's treasurer post but finished second in the voting behind Spain's Jose Maria Odriozola.
Plenty has been made of the infighting that has plagued SA in recent times, which was ultimately a key factor in Tang deciding against standing for re-election at last month's annual general meeting.
That appeared a thing of the past as last night's dinner was one filled with hearty laughter and smiles all around.
"Of course, when he (Tang) was the president, we had some differences," said Ho in his speech.
"But, at the end of the day, both of us just want to improve track and field in Singapore."
Ho also threw his support behind Tang's bid for election to either IAAF or AAA, believing last year's disappointment would only spur him on.
He recounted: "Last year, I accompanied Weng Fei to Beijing for the IAAF conference, where he was up for the treasurer's post.
"When it came to the result, it was not to be… He didn't win and I could sense he was disappointed.
"Yet, he was still smiling and he put on a very dignified front."
"Knowing Weng Fei, I think he will succeed because of the will and the drive he has… And also the money!" he added half-jokingly.
He then, on behalf of the management committee and secretariat staff, thanked Tang for his advice and guidance.
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