SINGAPORE – The Singapore Polo Club (SPC) has kept up with the times and played an active role in Singapore while keeping the tradition of polo alive, said Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Oct 11.
The club, which was founded in 1886, has broadened to support the equestrian and sporting community here, and given back to the wider society through outreach initiatives, he said at the third edition of the SPC Outreach Polo Tournament and Carnival.
These include equine-assisted therapy, stable tours for the underprivileged and people with special needs, and raising funds for charity, he added.
“These are a few of the many creative ways we can make a social impact to those around us – even for a niche sport like polo,” said SM Lee.
The fund-raiser continues the SPC’s tradition of compassion, inclusivity and community, he added. “It is a meaningful gesture, a reminder of how sport can be a force for good.”
Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong taking part in the polo tradition of divot stomping during the Singapore Polo Club’s Outreach Polo Tournament and Carnival on Oct 11. With him are (from left) the club’s general manager Sylvan Braberry and president Lawrence Khong.
ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM
The four beneficiaries of the SPC Outreach Polo Tournament and Carnival each received a cheque for $8,888. They are:
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Dementia Singapore, which supports people with dementia and their caregivers;
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Gateway Arts, a theatre company for young people;
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The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund, which gives pocket money to children from low-income families to help them through school; and
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Pertapis Education and Welfare Centre, a non-profit organisation that supports vulnerable individuals and families.
The carnival, held at SPC’s grounds in Mount Pleasant, featured activities like pony rides and game booths, and was attended by about 4,000 guests.
SM Lee said he had enjoyed watching a polo match “in the flesh”. Watching polo matches on TV is “nothing like watching a competitive match in person… experiencing the speed, the thrill, the atmosphere, the company and the joy of being together and enjoying a good sport”, he said.
He also spoke about how the SPC has kept the sport alive by developing young talent. The club has represented Singapore at the SEA Games and hosted tournaments locally. It is planning to represent the country at the SEA Games again this year.
A polo match during the SPC Outreach Polo Tournament and Carnival on Oct 11.
ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM
SM Lee said the SPC has worked well with the Government, and has been a force for good under the leadership of its president Lawrence Khong.
“Let’s continue to support one another, on and off the field,” SM Lee told the guests, thanking them for supporting the fund-raiser.
