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Former national Rugby Athlete and educator believes enjoyment of any Game comes first before the pursuit of excellence According to the 2020 National Sport Participation Survey (NSPS), 75% of children aged 13-19 participate in organised sports at least once a week. Despite the relatively high number, a C- was given for ‘Overall Physical Activity’ in Singapore’s 2022 report card on physical activity for children and adolescents by the National Institute of Health. On the importance of sports in a child’s development, Azhar Yusof, Director of CoachSG, told ActiveSG: “Our children’s cognitive progress goes hand in glove with their physical growth.” With Singapore’s education system known for its taxing nature, it may be tough for children to keep up with their academic pursuits while keeping sports fun. Sidney Kumar, 37, a former national rugby athlete, knows all too well about the role sport plays in the development of children. Having spent 11 years teaching in schools, Sidney decided to step out to pursue his vision and founded Sportify Kids last year, a multi-sport curriculum based program for kids. To help ensure the holistic development of children through sport without having kids suffer from burnout at a young age, Kumar turned his focus towards quality instead of quantity, saying that a lot of it boils down to coaching pedagogies and structure of the program. “It could also come as a by-product of training together and the journey as a team. The coaching and program must be able to create a culture of joy and love for the sport, only then, can the kids have longevity and success in the games,” he says. Kumar has known sport for all his life having played rugby for 26 years but before his professional career, he was just another boy who enjoyed running around. “As a kid, I fell in love with sport because it was fun,” he shares. “As much as we want the kids to chase excellence and win championships, it is important to remember that these are kids and they should continue to have fun.” This was what Kumar instilled in the St Andrews’s Secondary School Boys Rugby team he coached to glory earlier this year. For the first time in five years, the Saints were crowned champions of the National School Games 'B' Division after defeating fierce rivals, Anglo-Chinese School (Independent). “Having played at the National Stadium once or twice representing Singapore, I was thrilled that the boys would get the opportunity to do so in front of their family and friends,” he says. “For us, the message to the boys was clear. A few weeks before the finals, we drilled home the message that we already qualified for the finals and that there was nothing to lose, and everything to gain.” Luckily for Kumar and his players, the gold was theirs. In defeat, it can be easy for kids to lose the joy they once had for their sport. Kumar believes it is more often than not that coaches are the ones left to lick their wounds after a tough loss but also says that kids must keep looking for the light in the game they play. “Interest and passion can only take them so far. After that, reasons like friendships, success in the sport and progression can help. If they are able to do that, and do their best on the field then there is nothing much we can ask of them,” he says. Sportify Kids specialises in several different sports including rugby, basketball, football, athletics and many others. The variety is something Kumar feels is essential in children. “My firm belief is that it is critical for kids growing up to discover and try out as many sports as they can. This provides them with knowledge and physical literacy to enable them to develop certain skills and joy in certain games they play,” he shares. The company also prides itself on a values system called ‘RISE’ which stands for resilience, integrity, self-disciple and excellence. Sportify Kids hopes to instil these values in children through sport. “These are values that are life-long and are traits of the most successful people in the world. Sportify Kids aims to use sport and play to teach these values to the kids. This is done through careful planning of activities and creating scenarios for the kids to learn and practice.” Picking up on such values is important in the character development of children and teenagers and is commonly learned through their upbringing at home. Bringing sport and family together not only improves character, but is also an avenue to help families bond and stay connected. “It can be as simple as spectating as a family at the Sports Hub or actually playing the sport at the community centres and other sport facilities,” Kumar says. From the 37-year-old sports veteran’s experience, sport is the best teacher and classroom available to kids. “Aside from the clear physical benefits of playing sport, the socio-emotional value of sport is essential especially in this current time,” he shares. With the help of physical activity together with a game consisting of a few rules, children are able to learn and build relationships they won’t find anywhere else but perhaps what’s most important, is to have fun. After all, physical and mental health go hand in hand. #SportPlusSG #Features

Having enjoyed success at the top level from a young age, this Team Singapore shooter learned ways to cope with the pressure and disappointment of not making it to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics At the tender age of just 23, Martina Lindsay Veloso can already say she’s had a decade-long career in elite sport. The Singapore national shooter rose to international fame when she was only 14 years-old. Veloso beat olympic champion, Katerina Emmons in the 10m Air Rifle event at the 2014 ISSF World Cup and became the youngest ever ISSF medalist. Coupled with a few silver medals in between, Veloso also bagged gold at the 2017 SEA Games and two more at the 2018 Commonwealth Games where she also set a new Games record. As a young elite athlete, Veloso spent her meticulously planned-out life in the limelight which has pushed her to grow up fast. “Because of all these achievements since young, there’s been a lot of expectations. With more years of experience and training, rightfully I should become better right and win more medals right? That’s not always the case,” Veloso shared truthfully. In 2020, Veloso failed to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics, the one event the shooter has yet to compete at. “There was a lot of expectations and I had to talk to my psychologist and my coach. We had to be real. What if I didn’t make it to the Olympics? How was I going to deal with it? The pressure was too much and at the time I was only 19 going 20.” For Veloso, there was a need to be reminded of her young age due to the sheer number of years she already had under her belt, which is exactly what her team did. “It's been about two years and I’ve grown a lot as a person since then,” she shared. One of the biggest ways Veloso has changed is learning to open up to her peers. “Back when I was 14 or 15, I felt like if I told my friends, would they actually understand? We were all young and the challenges I was going through was different so I kept it to myself. They were there for me for sure but I didn’t really want to waste my energy telling them,” she recounted. In the last two to three years, her wall has come down. “Looking at it long term, I can’t be closed off forever. My friends tell me to cry it out and I’ll feel better." Described as bubbly and outgoing by those around her, Veloso does enjoy having joyful conversations and avoids sulking. It can be unhealthy though if happiness isn’t truly what you feel in that moment. “As much as we try to hide our feelings, we always want to put up a strong front because we don’t want to be judged by anyone,” she admits. PHOTO: MARTINA VELOSO "Sometimes, I feel like I can’t truly be upset even if I do feel sad. If I’m upset during a competition and I act like I’m okay, I feel like I’m gaslighting myself as I’m not feeling the things I actually am feeling. It can snowball.” Mental health is a topic close to her heart but with it still being slightly taboo in Singapore, there is still a hesitancy to speak on it. As part of mental health awareness month in May, Veloso had planned for weeks to publish an honest post about the state of her mental health on Instagram. Two months worth of unsuccessful competitions in her 50m three positions outdoor event had taken a toll on her. “What if I received backlash? I told my friends I regret posting it, was I being too vulnerable? I felt that I wasn’t feeling mentally okay then, it was a rough period but I ended up receiving a lot of positive comments,” she smiles. At the end of those two stressful months, the Team Singapore shooter returned home to complete her exams and was due to go back to training. Already struggling with fatigue, Veloso was then hit with something she had never experienced in her career. While training for her 50m outdoors, she was unable to control her body nor her breathing. “I felt suffocated. I was just tearing up for no reason. Certain shots I couldn’t even pull the trigger as my finger froze.” she recounts. Veloso gathered the courage to be honest with herself and her coach. “I was being very straight with him that I didn’t think I could continue shooting like this until I am better. I didn’t want to turn something I loved into something I hate. That would be my biggest nightmare.” Veloso loves to go scuba diving with her father and her younger brother and credits it as a way to rewind. Just last July, the trio had gone to her mother’s hometown in the Philippines for their underwater adventure. The trip was spontaneously planned by Veloso who needed a getaway. “My life is so planned out, it can be suffocating. So I’m a bit more impromptu with the fun stuff that has nothing to do with shooting. My work life is already so serious so I learned how to become more chill and not so uptight in the last couple of years.” Veloso was inspired to become a certified diver after seeing her father volunteer to recover the bodies of victims of the 2004 tsunami. The family had been in Thailand on holiday when disaster struck. Having something she loves inspired by her father, it’s no surprise that Veloso credits her family as a blessing. “People used to question if my dad worked because he was always there at competitions with my family. I’ve been blessed with very supportive parents,” she shared. With the love and constant support from her family and her friends, it’s unsurprising that Veloso not only struck gold as a teenager, but then evolved to become the better version of herself she is today. “I haven’t made it to the Olympics yet but I know I will be there one day,” Veloso said, voice full of hope. #SportPlusSG #Features

Approaching 50, this fit dad was inspired by how running improved his wife's health and shares how being a working father and staying physically active are not mutually exclusive Working overtime and needing to take care of family were among the top five barriers to participating in sports and exercise in Singapore according to Sport Singapore’s National Sport Participation Survey released in June this year. Eight years ago, these would have been the same reasons Ivan Chan cited to avoid working up a sweat. “I was very focused on my career and family then, to a point that exercising was never an equation in my life,” the now 48-year-old said. On hindsight, he recognised that his sedentary lifestyle caused him to suffer from regular bouts of illness and an overall feeling of frailty and weakness. “I realised that for me to be able to take care of my family, I have to be healthy myself.” Ivan’s foray into regular exercise was also eased by his wife who had taken up running with her colleagues and joined the RockRunners Running Club. Inspired by how running had improved his wife’s health, Ivan embarked on a 3km run with the only pair of running shoes he owned from his time in the army. As he began to run more frequently, he also supplemented his exercise with a more balanced diet of whole foods and natural proteins. “Within two months, I saw how my health changed with regular exercise and good eating habits. I gained muscle mass, looked and felt healthy. But most importantly, I didn’t fall sick as often!” he added. Now, Ivan’s routine includes joining multiple running groups and recording his fitness journey on his Instagram account. “Today, I run at least twice a week, either alone or with running clubs such as Run Puma and iRun x Superhero Runners. On days that I am not running, I do body weight exercises and high intensity interval training two to three days a week to maintain my core strength and muscle mass,” said Ivan. Running with a group has proven to be beneficial as well, said Ivan who noted how this allows him to make friends within the running community and pick up tips on how to improve his technique. The range of distances Ivan runs has also grown since his first 3km outing as a result of his signing up for a variety of races from 10km runs to marathons. He most recently set his personal best timing for a half marathon distance at the Gold Coast Marathon in Australia this year. “These races serve as a source of motivation for me to train and to be consistent in my running,” Ivan added. While he might be highly motivated to keep up his training routine, Ivan admits his lifestyle still requires much effort and commitment. Heading up the student life department in the education sector, Ivan noted his job can be demanding and hectic at times. However, he intentionally draws boundaries to maintain a good work-life balance. “I choose to join a running club on either Tuesday or Thursday to motivate myself to pack up and go for my run after 6pm,” said Ivan, describing how he maximises his weekly schedule. “Friday is another day that I will do my bodyweight or gym workouts because it’s the end of the work week and I would be in a happier and relaxed mood to devote time for training.” But he still sympathises with those who find it difficult to set out time to exercise on weekdays. “I understand that some of us may not be able to work out on weekdays, but let’s not forget there’s still the weekend. Forget about sleeping in, get up early for a run, meet up with friends or a family member to explore some scenic running routes such as Marina Bay, Labrador Park and Mount Faber.” Ivan also recommended running clubs like adidas Runners Singapore and Singapore Runners Club that organise community runs on weekend mornings as well. “Trust me, you will be more driven to wake up on time if you know someone or the running club you signed up for, is waiting for you!” he said. #SportPlusSG #Features

Challenge Roth and Berlin Marathon finisher Cheryl Tay shares her tips on how to handle the mental aspect of endurance racing The glowing golden hour sun illuminated the runners’ backs as they dug deep to find their final ounces of energy to cross the finish line at Challenge Roth. Among the finishers was Cheryl Tay. As she took the last steps of her race, teeth gritted and arms raised, tears formed in her eyes from relief and joy — a cathartic release of emotions. Just less than 13 hours earlier at the start of the race, Cheryl found herself crying as well from the overwhelming gratitude and tide of emotions at simply being able to start a race that was five years in the making for her. In fact, Cheryl cried another four times across the entirety of the race — while swimming, cycling, running and as spectators cheered her on along the way. “I felt a flurry of different types of emotions through the race. And you feel everything — frustration, boredom, exhaustion, fatigue, anxiety, relief, joy. It's really non-stop processing of emotions for an extended period of time,” Cheryl recounted. Having taken part in the Berlin Marathon as well as several IRONMAN races previously, Cheryl is no stranger to the pain of endurance racing. Though conventional wisdom says running is 90 per cent mental, from her numerous experiences, Cheryl believes the number is still high, but closer to 80 per cent. “You definitely need to put in the physical work and attain a certain level of fitness, but throughout the course of the race, all your demons will come out,” Cheryl said. Some of the “demons” she recalls having during her race at Roth include thinking: Why did I sign up for this? This is so painful; I don't want to do this anymore. My life sucks. I'm never doing this again. I want to go home. While these thoughts can feel crippling, proper mental preparation prior to racing can help mitigate their effects, said Cheryl who emphasised that whatever the body is conditioned to do in training becomes a habit that will automatically activate during the race — including bad habits. An example of bad habits is being lenient during training sessions — shortening sets or giving up due to a lack of commitment. “Therefore, one way to train the mind is to be consistent in your training and remember that whatever habits you create in training will show in your race,” Cheryl said. Yet, while Cheryl believes it is important to be strict and disciplined in training for races, her mental approach during races themselves differs slightly. “Be patient, pace yourself properly and don't worry about the timing, just throw the race plan out the window when things go wrong, and focus on what you can do,” Cheryl said as she recalled her race in Berlin which took a downward turn halfway through. With regards to signing up for races, Cheryl maintains a similarly realistic mindset, saying, “We all have various commitments in life, balancing different responsibilities, and it can get very challenging to squeeze training into your schedules. I will say don't stress yourself and do what you are able to.” In terms of advice for fellow amateur runners, she believes in making positive self-talk a habit in training and everyday life so it flows more naturally in the most painful moments while racing. She also encouraged others to dig deep and find their strongest reasons for participating in races. “Before you go into a race, find the strongest ‘why’ you have. Because you will definitely question yourself hard during the race. That's when you need to convince yourself why you put yourself through this willingly,” she said with a knowing chuckle. #SportPlusSG #Features

How a first school sports day experience inspired a lifelong journey in athletics for former national sprinter and Track Coach Lim Yao Peng It was during a school sports day, when Lim Yao Peng was in primary three, that he first sprinted competitively. The then nine-year-old Yao Peng stepped out onto the rough red running track and took his place. He looked down his assigned lane demarcated by the two meticulously painted straight white lines to the other end of the track. Little did he know that was the beginning of what would be a lifelong journey with sprinting. “I fell in love, not so much because it was track and field, but the idea of sprinting and sprinting fast,” said the now 34-year-old Yao Peng. Following that fateful sports day, he was recruited into his primary school’s track and field team as a Co-Curricular Activity, which only furthered his natural affinity with the sport. Fun trainings and healthy competitiveness with friends filled his early memories of sprinting with joy. After a two-year hiatus while in lower secondary, the pull of sprinting drew him back and Yao Peng returned to his running ways by joining a club outside of school. “What I love is really optimising the human body and it just happened that sprinting is the vehicle where it’s the marriage of everything,” said Yao Peng. “There’s power, yet it needs to be graceful. You need to be strong, yet not like powerlifters.” The desire to explore how to optimize his full potential and to teach others to do the same led him in a single direction — to turn his hobby into a career. In 2011 and 2017, Yao Peng represented Singapore at the Southeast Asian Games while he founded his company, MaxForm, in 2012 as a second-year student in university. While representing the country, Yao Peng was faced with the reality that his career as an athlete would be limited by the fact that the local sporting scene lacked a professional league. And he witnessed firsthand how this impacted many athletes in choosing not to pursue a professional career in sports. His experiences as a national athlete formed the foundations for his coaching career. “I want to improve the quality of Singapore’s sporting performance,” said Yao Peng. “What I’m doing right now is: how can I use the speed and strength tools that I have to help those that want to be better versions of themselves?” In recent years, Yao Peng has trained an increasing number of youths ranging from ages eight to eighteen, helping them develop not just physically but mentally as well. “Someone told me that sport is a microcosm of life. As cliché as it is, sport teaches us life lessons, and that is something I truly want to pull into my coaching philosophy,” Yao Peng added. Even though the ex-national athlete retired from competitive racing in 2018, Yao Peng still trains himself. Instead of training to improve his personal performance however, he does it to gain greater insight into how he can train other athletes and to discover new learning points to impart to his protégés. While in the long term, Yao Peng looks forward to achieving financial freedom as a coach, in the short-term, he hopes to tie in his personal and professional ambitions of coaching on an international scale by growing MaxForm. “I just hope within these two to three years, I can experience what it’s like to be an international coach and speaker. And let’s see where it takes me.” #SportPlusSG #Features

Branding themselves as Singapore’s answer to Women’s Grassroots Football, Hilderinc Ladies have lived up to their claims "Grassroots is the bedrock of any society, it’s where the masses are." - Ian Morris, Founder, Hilderinc FC Founded in 2017 with only two women, Hilderinc Women's Football Club has since blossomed into a vibrant football community which boasts 120 active players. With players categorised into different groups based on their footballing abilities, the club trains on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. The six year-old women’s side is one of the only clubs that provide women in Singapore with the opportunity to get involved in the game at a social and non-elite level, no matter your age, background or ability. Opportunities to play at such a level is something that Ian Morris, founder of Hilderinc FC feels is essential to the development of the overall women’s football scene in Singapore. “Grassroots is the bedrock of any society. It’s where the masses are. We have to face the fact that only a handful will play at club level. It’s also a fact that after the football most girls play in school right up to university, there are no more opportunities for after they leave,” Morris shared with SportPlus.sg. Morris, who founded Hilderinc FC in 2000 with his friends, noticed that the current narrative of Singapore’s grassroots football is hyper focused on youth football. “More must be done for adult grassroots football, and adult women’s football in particular if we want to see real, sustained growth,” Morris shares. “Grassroots is where the late bloomers, along with the supporters and parents of girls who play football are. If we continue to consider them outside of the Singapore football narrative, we will continue to take one step forward, and two steps back in growing women’s football.” Sandy Zhang, originally from China, joined the club in August 2022. Despite picking the sport up from scratch, she moved from the beginner’s trainings to the intermediate sessions in record time due to her rapid improvements. What really caught her eye was seeing women of all playing abilities come together to play. “The camaraderie, determination, and joy that these women display on the field is a testament to the power of sports to empower and unite people. It's heartwarming to see them break barriers and challenge stereotypes, all while enjoying the beautiful game of football,” Sandy shared. “I remember two players who happen to be a mother and daughter and both of them played very well. Their dynamic was truly inspiring to me, as it highlighted the shared passion that transcends generations. I am confident that these moments create cherished memories for them as well.” Adults grassroots football is not only important for the growth of the game. At its core, social and non-competitive football is a haven for making friends and maintaining a healthy mind. When the world descended into chaos and all but a few businesses paused operations in 2020 due to Covid 19, the women of Hilderinc found ways to keep going by training in groups of two and wearing masks. “We were, perhaps the only club that remained active. It helped many to join us and build friendships. We were able to provide a platform for healthy mental well-being through football and fitness,” Morris added. Sandy considers the club to be her favourite team in the world, and she started coming to sessions with her friends before she eventually began going solo and meeting more advanced players. “It was a very happy time. It feels very safe and comfortable to see the same people regularly and playing together. My English has also improved! They were very kind in teaching me some rules and basic skills, which helped me improve so much,” Sandy recounts. At social levels with women only just beginning to learn the fundamentals of the game, Morris and the team were adamant about creating the safe environment that Sandy had benefitted from. “Even in this day and age, sadly, there are misogynistic view points about women playing football. We have always been quick to correct any stereotypical ideas whenever we counter it. We hold that as a non-compromising principle in the club. Anyone who comes knows she will be allowed the highest respect and she can play without any reservations,” Morris says. After learning that Sandy had come to her first session with no prior playing experience, Morris and her teammates had only four rules that Sandy was made to follow. Do not say sorry. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Make mistakes. Have fun. These four simple rules stuck with Sandy and are now applied into every other aspect of her life. It is clear to see that her teammates have created a home away from home for her. “The shared passion for the sport fosters a strong sense of belonging. This sense of community not only improves my performance on the field but also enriches my overall experience,” Sandy shares. “Each time I successfully score a goal with the assistance of my teammate's pass and then exchange enthusiastic high-fives with them. That‘s pure trust and support. These are the moments I truly cherish.” Find out more about Hilderinc Ladies and Hilderinc Football Club via the official website here. #Football #WomensFootball

Widely known as the official pacers running club for its regular pacing work for major running events, Running Department was founded on the belief that running should be free and accessible to everyone Running Department (RD) was founded on the belief that running should be free and accessible for everyone and anyone. Founder Terence Teo looks back on the club’s decade long dedication towards building an inclusive running community. RD is one of the oldest and most established running groups in Singapore, so some might find it hard to believe that its founder, Terence Teo, once hated running. He dreaded the weekly Physical Education (PE) lessons and running the 2.4km during National Service. That all changed when Terence was motivated to pursue a healthy lifestyle. He put on a pair of running shoes and started running around his neighbourhood. “One round slowly became two rounds, and two rounds became three. I also met a group of Shifu’s (a chinese title meaning teacher or master), in the running community who gave me advice as I attempted my first 10km race, followed by a half-marathon and then a full marathon.” The support and advice he received from experienced runners around him helped nurture his passion for running and changed his life for the better. This inspired him to give back to the running community by helping others who were trying to pick up running. This year, RD celebrates a decade of bringing aspiring and seasoned runners together and building the running community in Singapore. Terence knows that this is a feat that could have only been achieved through the collective efforts of its members, past and present. The RD story began 12 years ago, when Terence was tasked to manage the pacers programme for Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon (SCSM) with Ben Pulham. After the first two years of successfully managing the programme, he received many enquiries from runners on how they could continue to follow the pacers for training even after completing the event. “So it struck me one day during my own gym workout, yes… I was sitting in the gym thinking that maybe I should give this unknown group an official name and start a club or community that hosted free running sessions for runners by runners.” “A club that was aligned with my vision that running should be free and accessible for everyone and anyone.” “After brainstorming for a name, RD was born!” As a 100% volunteers based community, the consistent support that the club receives from the running community is what keeps them going. RD’s weekly community run takes place every Wednesday at UOB Plaza, Raffles Place. The sessions offer distances between 5km to 10km for every runner. The club also gathers on Saturday for runners who are looking to run longer distances. These sessions usually take place at East Coast Park and the distances vary based on the training programme. “RD relies on our volunteers to help keep things going. We actually have more than one department, spanning from logistics, social media and a training department.” “The folks from the Training Department help me out with the weekly training programmes to make sure we have something for everyone.” Having recently launched a new logo designed by a member of the running crew, and with plans to bring 4 buses of runners to the upcoming Malacca SkyHawk Nature Run, there’s no slowing down for RD. “The vision that I had for RD has brought us this far and we’re actually celebrating our 10th Anniversary in 2023.” “To me, consistency is key but we need to constantly evolve ourselves and adapt to the needs of the running community. RD is here for the long run.” #RunningDepartment #RunwithRD #TerenceTeo

An inspiring journey on how two cancer survivors transformed their lives through sport and fitness to give back to the sporting community This is a feature article written by SportPlus.sg for Kallang Alive Sports Management. For more sports events, programmes and human stories of Singapore Sports Hub, visit the Singapore Sports Hub website here, and subscribe to their e-Newsletter here. Julianne Danielle Lim and Kelly Loh bonded over their similar fitness goals and found strength and motivation in embarking on their fitness workouts and programmes together. Holidays together also revolve around fitness, including activities such as hiking and cycling into their itineraries, and starting their days with spin and HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) workouts before sightseeing. Julianne and Kelly are both cancer survivors and have since transformed their lives for the better through sport and fitness. “My oncologist encouraged me to turn my life around as I would like to live a long life. After I was diagnosed, I turned to eating well and exercising as the centre of my life” said Kelly. “I have nieces and before I started exercising daily, I used to get tired easily and could not keep up with them. Now, I run with them when we are at the playground and this motivates me”, she added. Julianne, a Breast Cancer survivor, went through a journey of deep self-reflection to replace her old habits with healthy ones and to make them stick, to change her relationship with nutrition, exercise, and sleep, to be consistent, and to manage stress through self-love and self-kindness. “I do not want a cancer recurrence. I will do my best to reduce and even eliminate the chances of it recurring. My doctors are taking care of me medically, my loved ones are supporting me emotionally, my faith is my anchor, and my friends and church community are also on this journey with me.” “What else can I do for myself?” “This is when I made the commitment to turn my life around,” said Julianne. A key process of this transformation was ensuring that workout routines, health and wellness never got left behind, but instead became cornerstones of their lives and lifestyles. “With a career driven lifestyle, it used to be that fitness revolved around my career,” recalled Julianne. “But now the anchor to my days is self-care and one of the ways is through fitness and being active. The commitment is so different when it is made a priority. Time is created when it is no longer a ‘must do’, but an enjoyment with everyone around you,” said Julianne. This is evident with Julianne’s dedicated fitness routine. She exercises multiple times throughout the day and her sessions sometimes include up to four different types of workouts ranging from strength training, running, swimming, rhythm cycling (i.e., spin) and core work. As an early riser, Kelly gets in her workouts bright and early before the workday begins and again in the evenings. Having a different schedule from Julianne means that their weekends are spent going for spin classes together and meeting as often as possible for strength training. Despite her sometimes hectic work deliverables, Kelly believes that being consistent is essential. “Consistency is something that I am trying to keep up, such as consistently turning up for my strength training. On days that I can’t, I would go for a quick run or walk on the treadmill even if it is for 30 minutes of exercise,” said Kelly. “Having cervical cancer and still having lymphoma changes your life perspective.” “In the past, I would always say that I would do it tomorrow. Now, I would just get it done,” she added. Finding ways to stay motivated and consistent could be as hard, if not harder than getting started on a new workout itself. Julianne is guided by four principles that keep her going. 1. Create a system in your day where fitness and being active becomes a habit. 2. Create a lifestyle that includes the activities you love and do it with your loved ones and friends. Surround yourself with like-minded people. 3. Remember your why. 4. Focus on the daily wins and enjoying the progress instead of obsessing over the outcome. Julianne and Kelly are taking their workout relationship to the next level by participating in the half marathon at the upcoming Great Eastern Women’s Run (GEWR) Singapore that is taking place at the Singapore National Stadium on 29 October 2023. Join them at the first full scale all-women's mass participation run in Singapore since 2019, as they look forward to completing the run together, getting a medal at the finish and taking lots of photos together to commemorate this fitness milestone. Find out more about the Great Eastern Women's Run (GEWR) here, and follow SportPlus.sg on our socials and website for more content from GEWR 2023! #SportPlusSG #Fitness #GEWR2023 #MySgSportsHub

Showcasing the latest from Under Armour Women's training range, UA's beach bootcamp demonstrated the grit and strength of women through workouts led by UFIT Singapore In conjunction with the breast cancer awareness month of October, Under Armour hosted a beach bootcamp at Sentosa while showcasing new products within the Under Armour Women's Range. This is a follow up to under Armour's annual commitment towards celebrating women in sports and fitness, with the american sportswear giant running a #U1st campaign in 2021, in which women were reminded to put themselves and their needs first ahead of their roles of taking care of others. More photos from Under Armour Women's Beach Bootcamp is available in our photo gallery here. Held against a picturesque sunset backdrop of Siloso beach, some 20 active women and athletes took part in a full-body workout session with exercises curated by UFIT Singapore. Decked from head to toe in Under Armour's latest apparel - namely the Armour Mid Crossback bra and UA No-slip waistband leggings, the group demonstrated their strength and power as well as the versatility of Under Armour Women's training range through a series of kettlebell workouts. More photos from Under Armour Women's Beach Bootcamp is available in our photo gallery here. Be it jumping up, throwing down, or lunging forward - the UA No-Slip Waistband leggings and UA Crossback bra are built to handle any move from the gym to the beach. Armour Mid Crossback Bra Bras shouldn't be complicated. They should be comfortable and they should be supportive. Under Armour went straight to the source and asked real women how to make their favourite Under Armour bra even better. More photos from Under Armour Women's Beach Bootcamp is available in our photo gallery here. How it works? Better Design - Under Armour opened up the keyhole detail so it's not only amazing to look at, it's easier to get on and off. Better Support - Higher neckline delivers enhanced coverage and support exactly where women need it. Better Shape - Super breathable, re-engineered pads have a more natural contour that won't slip or sacrifice shape. UA No-slip Waistband Whether it's rolling over in down dog or creeping down during a squat, rogue waistbands steal your focus and drive while working out. So Under Armour created one with a special hidden print that helps it to stay put so women can push harder. More photos from Under Armour Women's Beach Bootcamp is available in our photo gallery here. How it works? Smart Construction - Under Armour hid a double-sided silicone print inside super-soft fabric to keep the waistband from slipping or sagging with each move Continuous Coverage - Super comfortable high-rise design for the perfect amount of support and coverage. More photos from Under Armour Women's Beach Bootcamp is available in our photo gallery here. #UnderArmourSG #UAWomen #TheOnlyWayIsThrough

SportPlus.sg assistant editor Charis Chua gives her take on adidas' latest Bra and Leggings Collection following a weekend retreat with the three stripes family The sky was still dark, the city peaceful. All was quiet until more than 100 of us — media, content creators and adiclub members — reached the MBS Sky Park for a sunrise mat Pilates session. There was a buzz of excitement in the air on day two of the adidas #BeSupportedBeYou retreat — the real work was just about to begin. Complemented by the mesmerising backdrop of the rising sun, the pleasant voice of Eugena Bey, local Pilates instructor and founder of BE. Studio, guided us through the routine. Her Pilates session was the first of four workouts in the retreat programme which included HIIT, Running, and body strength training. Armed with four sets of bras and leggings for the respective disciplines, we had the privilege of putting the apparel through their paces. And I must say, they did not disappoint. STUDIO I was given the CoreFlow Medium-Support Bra and the Yoga Studio Wrapped 7/8 Leggings during the Mat Pilates session in a lovely colour combination of Wonder Red and Olive Strata respectively. To be perfectly honest, I am not usually a fan of bras with moulded cups. This however, was just right for the intensity of the Pilates workout — though it had a snug fit, it wasn’t too tight and still allowed for freedom of movement. For the leggings, I felt it had the softest material of the four I got to try. The design at the calf area also gave it a unique look. On the other hand, I felt that it was a bit too high-cut for me. I could feel the waistband folding down when we did roll-ups which caused it to squeeze my tummy a bit too much. HIIT HIIT — beloved by some and dreaded by others. I definitely fall into the “dreaded” category as someone who hasn’t done HIIT for years. Still, having the Tailored Impact Training High Support Bra and Tailored HIIT Training 7/8 Leggings provided me with the comfort that at least I was well-equipped to handle the session. The fit of the TLRD Impact Training High-Support Bra was slightly too big compared to the Studio one due to it being encapsulated. Still, the mesh at the sternum kept me cool as we progressed from lunge jumps to burpees to mountain climbers. Speaking of the vigorous movements, the TLRD HIIT Training 7/8 Leggings stayed in place for the entire workout. This was definitely helped by the anti-slip band at the back of the waistband. The material was a bit on the stiffer side however, which means you may have to opt for a size larger for it to fit comfortably. RUNNING Admittedly, we didn’t actually get to run, but I fell in love with the Medium Support Running Pocket Bra and DailyRun 7/8 Leggings the moment I put them on. This bra has a cutting more like a tank top and stretches to the midriff which might appeal to those who prefer to dress more conservatively. Even so, the bra dispels heat easily as the back is almost entirely mesh. Additional points go to the bra for the three hidden pockets it has in the front that were big enough to fit even my phone. The leggings fit like a dream for me, providing me with just the right support while shaping my body perfectly. They also held in place when I stashed my phone in the pocket while we did several repetitions of squats, which was a huge but pleasant surprise. GYM Like the Tailored Impact Training High Support Bra, the encapsulated design of TLRD Impact Training High-Support Bra did not fit me very well. It shifted around slightly during the workout although that could have been because the straps were not adjusted properly. The Optime Training Luxe 7/8 Leggings had a similar fit to the Daily Run 7/8 Leggings, which meant it stayed in place as we pushed ourselves to the limit in the body strength workout. One slight difference however, was that the pockets were slightly larger than the Daily Run 7/8 Leggings which is good for those with larger phones. As with the other leggings, though I haven’t mentioned it, the gym leggings had as few seams as possible. This greatly improved comfort and barely left behind any marks on the skin after wearing it for an extended period of time. In all, I’d say that all the bras and leggings were fit for purpose. They also almost became like a second skin as we did our workouts which helped us to focus on what was truly important — fitness. #adidassg #ActiveWear #SportsBra #Leggings

Boot launches in variations that all offer lightweight ‘AERO’ technologies, with hero ‘P+’ model boasting ultimate combination of innovations for play at the highest level Singapore, 5 July 2023 – adidas reveals X CRAZYFAST, the latest boot release from adidas packed full of 'AERO' innovations built to unlock speed in all moments of the game. The new boots launch in three distinct models - 'P+' and 'P1 Laced and Laceless' - which together offer best-in-class speed-focused technology to those playing at all levels of the game. For the in-stadium player, such as those competing at this year's FIFA Women ́s World's World Cup 2023, the pinnacle laced P+ is our lightest version for optimal speed, representing the ultimate level of innovation for those at the peak of their game. The X Crazyfast was developed using insight and testing input from an equal gender split of contributors – from professional athletes to grassroots players - to ensure that everyone who plays the game can benefit from its performance benefits. The P+ model is complemented by the X CRAZYFAST laced and laceless P1 models, which both feature lightweight advanced technologies adapted for footballers of all levels, across varied price points. Mahsa Aryan, Global Category Director at adidas Football footwear said: “The modern game is centred around speed and quickness to win the ball against your opponent. Players must think fast, and react even faster, which leaves no time for distractions." "The X franchise, and everything it offers, has therefore become increasingly important considering the modernisation and increase in speed of football played today." "Offering a full suite of X CRAZYFAST models helps footballers at all levels - whether that be those competing on the world's biggest stage or local park pitches - in the fastest moments of the game, to be their best." The hero of all X CRAZYFAST models is an update to adidas’s innovative SPEEDFRAME sole plate technology. The update includes a replacement of the previous carbon version with a new AEROPLATE insert that makes the overall plate 5g lighter. This update provides optimal comfort and responsiveness, while retaining the same design features for propulsion and dynamic movement, with the stud design built to optimise traction during rapid acceleration. Speed-focused updates continue onto the boot’s upper. • Both ‘P1’ models boast the AEROCAGE innovation - an engineered lining designed to provide ideal support and stability by hugging the mid-foot, and AEROPACITY SPEEDSKIN - a single layer breathable monomesh which provides comfort throughout the foot and offers a second skin feel • The P+ provides the next level in innovation to the democratic P1 options, with a super lightweight upper comprised of single layer AEROPACITY SPEEDSKIN+ molded to the minimalistic AEROCAGE+, both of which have been optimised to be lightweight while still providing support and stability at high speeds. With the need for speed also comes the need for unrivalled stability and support in all moments. • Both P1 models feature an engineered PRIMEKNIT collar that give players familiar foot-hugging comfort and optimal direct ball contact, with the options of laceless, and laced for increased adjustability. • The P+ comes in a floating tongue construction with superlight laces to help keep the foot locked in place. As part of adidas’ continued journey to help end plastic waste, all X CRAZYFAST models contain zero virgin polyester. The X CRAZYFAST P+ is made with a 15% lower carbon footprint, than the previous X SPEEDPORTAL P+ version1. The all-new X CRAZYFAST boot comes in an elegant and minimalistic white and lucid lemon colourway, and the P+ will be worn by some of the best female football players at the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 TM, its first major competition appearance on pitch. The footwear collection ranges from $129 - $399 and is available to purchase via adidas.com.sg/x, the adidas App, and at the following select adidas retail stores: • adidas Brand Centre Orchard • adidas VivoCity Performance [L1] • adidas Suntec City • adidas Causeway Point #adidas #adidasSG #adidasfootball #HomeOfSport

Singapore Men's Tennis Team banish ghosts of 2022 with play-off victory against Kyrgyzstan Antalya Turkey, 23 October 2023 - Singapore men's tennis team comprising captain Daniel Heryanto, Shaheed Alam, Roy Hobbs, Steve Ng, Jerall Jasin and Michael Jimenez defeated Kyrgyzstan 2-0 in the promotional play-off of the Davis Cup 2023 to win Asia / Oceania Group 4 and earn themselves a promotion for 2024. Singapore last earned promotion back into the tournament's Group 3 in 2018 in Oman, and reached the play-off final last year before narrowly losing out to Cambodia. SportPlus.sg understands that the expectations for the team was always to promote back into group 3, particularly when the team came really close in 2022 and only lost out in the playoffs. Despite the lofty target, the conditions weren't in favour of Team Singapore with the competition being played out on clay at this year's event in Turkey. It turned out to be a pleasant surprise then, as the teams had managed their expectations going into the tournament with a strong line-up of teams competing in their group this year. Relief was written all over the faces of the Singapore tennis team when they achieved their target against a resilient Kyrgyzstan side that had pull off an upset by defeating favourites Kuwait in their group. Shaheed Alam attributed the team's success this year to the great team chemistry he and his teammates shared both on and off the court. "We all played our part in helping Singapore promote be it on court or off court. Davis Cup is a team event so the support off court really can influence the performances on court," said Shaheed. "On top of that, I have been training really hard in college in the US to prepare for this just as the rest of the team." When asked how the team dealt with the pressure of playing in another play-off final in two years, having lost the previous one, Shaheed shared: "To be honest, we were all surprised that Kyrgyzstan topped the Group after beating the favourites, Kuwait. After losing the first match to Syria in our group, we knew the best we could finish was second in the group and was expecting to play Kuwait but Kyrgyzstan pulled off an insane upset on the last day of the group stages to top the group." He added: "Before the play-offs, we fancied our chances and were confident in getting the win especially after that heartbreaking defeat last year, we wanted to make things right and made sure we got over the line this time. It's a relief that we got the win more than anything." Davis Cup is an event that the Singapore men's team looks forward to the most each year and this year's results would go a long way towards boosting the team's morale after a tough twelve months. "I'm really happy that I manage to pull through in all of them and remain unbeaten this year so that's a huge confidence boost for me and to get promoted is the icing on the cake after what has been a fantastic year for me in terms of my tennis career," said Shaheed. "Now it's back to work as I prepare for the College season next year and of course Group 3 of Davis Cup where we will face much tougher oppositions but I'm very much looking forward to it!" #SportPlusSG #DavisCup2023 #Tennis