We will soon be getting through this together
Today (22 May 2020), marks the 46th day of our circuit breaker period. We hope that everyone is well and safe. We know everyone has stayed positive this far and is treasuring this unique time with their family. We face the same challenges as you operating under the current restrictions. The good thing is: We will soon be getting through this, together!
Since April 2020, the STTA has cancelled all its training programmes locally and abroad. Sadly, we are still unable to resume our training programmes from 2 June 2020 as the restrictions are being lifted gradually. We will wait for the Government’s directives as to when we can resume our training programmes.
Our athletes are of paramount importance to us. During this circuit breaker period, our coaches have kept in regular contact with the athletes and their parents. What’s more, the STTA provides free online training sessions, free online strength and conditioning sessions, free online competitions and free webinars for our athletes, just to name a few.
The Zone Training Centre coaches have organised free online training at least twice a week for their students during the May 2020 School Holidays. Free online competitions such as: ‘’Bouncing the Ball’’ and ‘’Rope Skipping’ were also organised to keep the athletes fit and strong.
In addition, we have extended to our Junior Development Squad (JDS) players free online training and strength and conditioning sessions on weekdays. For the Youth Training Squad (YTS), Intermediate Squad (IS) and National Team (NT) athletes, they attend free online training and strength and conditioning sessions from Mondays to Saturdays.
Other than the regular trainings, the STTA has organised many free upgrading webinars for our athletes on other aspects of development which are just as beneficial to them. Just to name a few:
- Nutrition – by Huang Liyan, Sports Dietitian, Singapore Sport Institute (29 April)
- Time management – by Merey Tan, Athlete Life Manager, National Youth Sports Institute (6 May)
- Self-awareness – by Shermaine Lou, Sport Psychologist , National Youth Sports Institute (13 May, 20 May, 27 May)
- Imagery – by Shermaine Lou, Sport Psychologist, National Youth Sports Institute (13 May, 20 May, 27 May)
- Performing well for young athletes and parents with SportPsychologyby Stevenson Lai, Senior Sport Psychologist and Joshua Chua, Sport Psychologist from Singapore Sport Institute, Sport Singapore (30 May)
Special arrangements were also made to accommodate special requests made by the National Team players. Among these were special arrangements to deliver our table tennis tables to the residence of Yu Mengyu, Clarence Chew and Zhang Wanling for them to continue their own training.
We have not forgotten the need to train our employees and upgrade their skills during this difficult period. So far, our employees have attended over 18 workshops/ webinars. For instance, we have collaborated with Coach SG to host the inaugural SG-Coach (Full Integration) Level 1 Table Tennis Coaching Course for our coaches and national players.
We are very confident that the upskilling that our employees have committed themselves to during this time will greatly benefit the Association when the restrictions are completely lifted.
We wait eagerly for the end of the circuit breaker and the move into Phase 1 of Safe Reopening. We are confident that Singapore is moving in the right direction!
Until then, please stay safe and healthy!
SG United, Together We can Overcome!
