SINGAPORE : Thrill seekers in Singapore may have more avenues to
leap, dive or climb in the future.
Community, Youth and Sports Acting Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan
says the government plans to take a more open approach towards
extreme sports.
He revealed this at the launch of a mountaineering sub-club in
National University of Singapore this morning.
The sky's the limit where extreme sports is concerned. And its
practitioners in Singapore could be in for a treat as the
government takes a renewed look at the possible benefits from risk
management, which is part and parcel of any extreme sport.
Launching the NUS "Make It Real" mountaineering sub-club, Dr Vivian
said there are plans to explore greater use of water bodies, the
sky and land for more adventurous activities.
"What I am signalling now is a receptiveness to new ideas, new
proposals for sports, even extreme sports which build up positive
attitudes to risk taking in young Singaporeans, build up team
spirit and ultimately, national spirit." said Dr Vivian.
And it should not be a blind pursuit of risk for its own sake, but
one that involves planning and preparations.
Mountaineering is one such example, as the 7 members of the latest
Make It Real team spent 6 months training for their upcoming
expedition.
The 10 day training in New Zealand last year equipped the
mountaineers with the necessary skills to tackle the Island Peak in
Nepal in May, and the students are also very excited about the
government's plans to promote extreme sports.
The Expedition Leader for the Make It Real 4 Programme, Weng Jin
Quan, said, "I feel that the government is making a very right
move, encouraging youth to be more daring and more bold, to step
out of what they have been doing and reaching for the best."
And that's exactly what they hope to do by conquering the 6,000
metre high Island Peak before visiting the NUS Centennial Everest
Team at the Everest Base Camp. - CNA
