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Riyadh Hakim Lukman, Ng Chee Kiong and Tsalina Phang land double national titles each, as national mountain bike events took place at outdoor trails for first time since start of pandemic PHOTO: SINGAPORE CYCLING FEDERATION (SCF) Singapore, 11 June 2022 - Organised by the Singapore Cycling Federation (SCF), the OCBC Cycle National Championship, featuring Mountain Bike Cross-Country - Cross-country Short Track (XCC) and Cross-country Olympics (XCO) categories, took place at the Centaur Sports Park trail on the weekend of 4-5 June 2022. This was the first time the national mountain bike events took place at outdoor trails since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. PHOTO: SINGAPORE CYCLING FEDERATION (SCF) The first day of competition saw 59 riders over 11 race categories, including 4 Cadet categories for kids take part in the XCC event, a relatively new format of cross-country mountain biking (since 2018) that is shorter (in this case, 820m per lap) and more intense compared to the XCO. An XCC course typically ranges between 1km to 1.5km long, taking just 2-3 minutes per lap. Meanwhile, the XCO is the most practiced and common mountain bike discipline around the world, both for amateurs and competitors. PHOTO: SINGAPORE CYCLING FEDERATION (SCF) XCO Elite Men's and Women’s events usually last between about 1.2 to 1.4 hours consisting of several laps around the course (in this case, 4km per lap), which is a greater test of endurance compared to the newer XCC format. The XCO event on 5 June had 35 riders from over 10 race categories. Race highlights Returning to Singapore from his maiden Southeast Asian Games participation in Vietnam last month, national mountain biker Riyadh Hakim Lukman (Burgeon MTB racing) successfully defended his 2021 national title with double wins as the national champion of both the XCC and XCO races in the Men’s Elite categories. Ng Chee Kiong (SantaCruz Singapore), who clinched the 2021 national title in the Men’s Masters category, also won double national titles in the XCC and XCO events in the Men’s Masters categories for 2022. Another big winner was Tsalina Phang (Team AttitudeBikes) who also scored double national titles in both events in the Women’s Elite categories this year. PHOTO: SINGAPORE CYCLING FEDERATION (SCF) Singapore Cycling Federation Vice-President (Mountain Bike) Muhammad Faroz Marzoki was ecstatic about the good turnout at the races. Faroz, 34, said: "We carried the flame of racing spirit from SEA Games back home and hosted two national championships back to back over a weekend. The athletes showcased their talent, displayed resilience and tenacity, worthy of the our national colours." PHOTO: SINGAPORE CYCLING FEDERATION (SCF) "The reigning champions once again proved their ability to earn the top spots to be crowned National Champions. The race formats may appear similar to some but the race courses were primed for fast full-gas flat-out performances. There was enough room for strategic overtaking opportunities and race strategies were executed confidently in ever-changing conditions." "With just a weekend’s break in between, we will head to our next instalment of National Championships - mountain bike downhill. It will be an interesting race incorporating technical features such as steep chutes, jumps and tight turns, in which marginal gains will differentiate the good from the best." Full results from the event can be accessed at this link here. #SportPlusSG #OCBCCycle #MountainBike #NationalChampionships

On the back of increased interest in cycling cultivated during the pandemic, Singapore's largest cycling event has attracted more than half of its overall participation numbers PHOTO: OCBC CYCLE Singapore, 25 April 2023 – Registration for OCBC Cycle 2023 closed yesterday with 7,308 participants. More than 300 lots were added to the initial capacity of 7,000 to cater to the enthusiasm shown by the cyclists. Separately, the 100KM Virtual Ride and Mighty Savers® Kids & Family Ride were both sold out one month ago, shortly after the close of the early bird registration period. The event enters its 15th edition on the back of increased interest in cycling cultivated during the pandemic, attracting more than half of its overall participation numbers in just three weeks after the launch of registration back in February. PHOTO: OCBC CYCLE More first-time participants join in the fun In the years leading up to the pandemic, the percentage of first-time participants at OCBC Cycle usually averaged around 60 per cent. This year, the event saw 70 per cent of registration coming from first-time participants - an indication of the rising popularity of cycling as a preferred sporting activity amongst Singaporeans. Virtual Rides, which were first introduced in 2020, remain popular amongst cyclists who prefer the convenience and flexibility of completing the event with family and friends over multiple rides and on their preferred routes. PHOTO: OCBC CYCLE The 100KM Virtual Ride was sold out almost one month before the official close of registration. We will also witness elite club cyclists return to the road and compete on the closed-road circuit along Stadium Drive in the Speedway Championships. This is the second year the event is back after being put on hold in 2020, and sees 22 teams signing up to battle for the coveted titles amongst the local club, corporate and female teams. Defending champion in the club category, Allied World Racing is set to bring back the same level of energy, speed and excitement to this year’s event. PHOTO: OCBC CYCLE On-site activities during event day To cater to participants who wish to participate but do not own a bicycle, home-grown bike-sharing firm, SG Bikes, will be deploying 200 bicycles on-site for cyclists to rent for the event. The presence of bike-sharing services at the event has allowed more than 4,000 cyclists to take part in OCBC Cycle over the past 5 years. This is part of OCBC Cycle’s goal to make the event as accessible as possible to everyone. This year, the event will also bring back on-site event pack collection at the OCBC Arena where participants can collect their event entitlements and shop for cycling gear and equipment from partners such as Sunday Shades, Shimano and Key Power Sports. PHOTO: OCBC CYCLE OCBC Cycle participants are also entitled up to a $250 discount when they purchase bicycles or cycling equipment from Happy Owl Cycle, an authorised dealer for Brompton, online or via their physical store. Ms Koh Ching Ching, Head of Group Brand and Communications, OCBC Bank, said: “We are excited to bring the full-scale OCBC Cycle back this year. We would like to thank the 7,308 cyclists who have signed up for the event, and the various government agencies - Sport Singapore and the Land Transport Authority - who enabled the road closures in the heart of the city. OCBC Cycle has become more than just a sporting event, it has brought people from all walks of life together for a day of fun on wheels on closed expressways and city streets. We are gearing up for a safe and unforgettable day of cycling fun.” PHOTO: OCBC CYCLE In its 15th edition this year, OCBC Cycle has eight categories including its mainstay rides, The Sportive 40KM Ride and The Straits Times 20KM City Ride. These two rides will take cyclists through the city on closed roads, as well as the new Indoor Ride by Shimano, which uses the popular Zwift platform for cyclists to compete against one another virtually. Spin Ride by CRU is also back for the second year running. The event will continue with the virtual rides taking place till 5 June. #SportPlusSG #OCBCCycle #LetsGoCycle

Over 80 participants take part in the event across 8 race categories, as national mountain biker Riyadh Hakim Lukman emerges victorious in the Men’s Elite category PHOTO: SINGAPORE CYCLING FEDERATION (SCF) Singapore, 21 June 2022 - The third mountain bike national championship event after the the cross-country short track (XCC) and cross-country Olympics (XCO), Downhill is a race against the clock in which riders negotiate a succession of fast and technical passages. Held at Kent Ridge Bike Park, participants had to demonstrate courage as well as sharp technical and piloting skills in order to tackle tree roots, banked sections, bumps, jumps and other natural obstacles along the way. PHOTO: SINGAPORE CYCLING FEDERATION (SCF) This year’s race course was 500m long, comprising obstacles such as rock gardens, drops, berms and tabletops. More than 80 participants took part in the event across 8 race categories. Race highlights Fresh from winning national titles in the XCC and XCO Men’s Elite categories earlier this month, national mountain biker Riyadh Hakim Lukman (Burgeon MTB racing) emerged victorious as the Downhill national champion in the Men’s Elite category at the race, despite just having recovered from COVID-19. PHOTO: SINGAPORE CYCLING FEDERATION (SCF) There was tight racing in the Men’s Junior and Youth Categories, with less than three seconds separating the first and runner-up in both categories. Luke Wong (Team Twenty9er/Canyon), who had solid performances at the XCC and XCO races recently, fulfilled his childhood dream of becoming a top downhill rider by clinching the domestic downhill national champion title in the Men’s Youth category. Sports presenter and host Claire Jedrek, an avid mountain biker who only rode the Kent Ridge Bike Park trail a few times prior to the race, managed to finish 2nd in the Women’s Master category to become the domestic national champion for the downhill race. Singapore Cycling Federation vice-president (mountain bike) Muhammad Faroz Marzoki, 34, said: “After a two year break, we finally return to Kent Ridge Bike Park to see some Downhill action. It was a minute and a half long track with several elements of technicalities, pushing the limits of the racers and their equipment. PHOTO: SINGAPORE CYCLING FEDERATION (SCF) We saw growth in participants from the women's and youths categories which indicates a promising future of the sport. Line choices may be limited and a slight diversion had to be done at the very last minute. The community however, embraced the challenge, spreading positive vibes and we were treated to an electric atmosphere with cheering and encouragement as riders blazed down the race course. PHOTO: SINGAPORE CYCLING FEDERATION (SCF) We would like to take this opportunity to thank the mountain biking community for their continuous support in the spirit of downhill racing.” Full results from the event can be accessed at this link here. #SportPlusSG #OCBCCycle #MountainBike #NationalChampionships

Close to 7,300 participants took part in OCBC Cycle at Singapore Sports Hub from 6-7 May 2023 Close to 7,300 cyclists participated in the Sportive Ride and The Straits Times City Ride of OCBC Cycle 2023. PHOTO: OCBC CYCLE Singapore, 7 May 2023 – Close to 7,300 cyclists gathered at the Singapore Sports Hub on 6 and 7 May to ride in the nation’s marquee cycling event, OCBC Cycle 2023. This marks the first full-scale OCBC Cycle event since 2019 when the pandemic disrupted large-scale sports events and the 2022 edition was limited to 2,000 cyclists joining in person. The Straits Times 20KM City Ride was flagged off at 6.30am by Guests of Honour – Mr Eric Chua, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth & Ministry of Social and Family Development; Ms Helen Wong, Group CEO, OCBC Bank; Mr Alan Goh, CEO, Sports Singapore; Mr Quek Swee Kuan, CEO, Singapore Sports Hub, and Mr Jaime Ho, Editor, The Straits Times. Mr Mohammad Nabil Bi Jasmani, who cycled for his stroke-stricken dad, at the end of the Sportive Ride. PHOTO: OCBC CYCLE Participants of The Sportive 40KM Ride started as early as 5.30am at the Singapore Sports Hub. The Sportive 40KM Ride was shortened to 20km due to bad weather. Riders were still able to complete a scenic route on roads specifically closed for the event, taking them past stunning views of the city, before finishing inside the National Stadium. The Sportive 40KM Ride is making a return after three years, as only The Straits Times 20KM City Ride was offered as an on-site event last year. Ms Helen Wong, Group CEO, OCBC Bank said: “Going into my second OCBC Cycle, I thought I knew what to expect. But sharing the roads with many more cyclists this year was an even more enjoyable experience. The sense of being one big cycling community was enhanced as we absorbed the sun’s rays and enjoyed the morning breeze together. Riding up, and then down, the Benjamin Sheares bridge was still very exciting." (L-R) Mr Alan Goh, Mr Eric Chua, Ms Helen Wong, Mr Quek Swee Kuan, and Mr Jamie Ho, at the start line of The Straits Times 20KM City Ride. PHOTO: OCBC CYCLE "As always, none of this would be possible without the support and friendship of key government agencies – the Land Transport Authority and Sport Singapore – and our event partners and sponsors, and not forgetting all the participants. A big thank you to all!” The Straits Times 20KM City Ride attracted a diverse range of participants, including families, couples and individuals. Mr Terence Lee, the founder of online cycling platform Bike Guru, was cycling with Paralympian Steve Tee on a tandem bike for The Straits Times 20KM ride. Terence Lee rode with Paralympian Steve Tee on a tandem bike for The Straits Times 20KM City Ride. PHOTO: OCBC CYCLE Mr Lee said: “When I came across Steve Tee's social media page searching for pilots for the para-cycling team, I felt motivated to volunteer and contribute my energy and efforts to help these visually impaired athletes experience cycling on a tandem bike.” Mr Tee said: “I have come to love the thrill of speed and sense of freedom that cycling provides, as well as the inclusivity of the sport. Thanks to my current cycling pilot Terence, I was able to participate in the OCBC Cycle event, and now I want to promote the importance of inclusivity in the cycling community.” (L-R) Mr Alan Goh, Mr Eric Chua, Ms Helen Wong, Mr Quek Swee Kuan, and Mr Jamie Ho, flagging off The Straits Times 20KM City Ride. PHOTO: OCBC CYCLE The OCBC Cycle Speedway Championships took place yesterday (6 May) at the Singapore Sports Hub. The event saw a total of 21 teams participating in either the Club or Corporate Championships. Allied World Quantum Racing A was crowned the winner of the Club Championships and OCBC Bank for the Corporate Championships. The semi-finals and grand final of the new ride category, OCBC Cycle Indoor Ride by Shimano was also held yesterday, with participants racing each other in an indoor cycling environment using virtual riding platform Zwift. Mr Tan Zhi-Hern Clement emerged as the final winner after completing a virtual 10KM course at Shimano Cycling World. Terence Lee rode with Paralympian Steve Tee on a tandem bike for The Straits Times 20KM City Ride posing. PHOTO: OCBC CYCLE Our young cyclists took part in the Mighty Savers® Family Ride yesterday which came back in person after being held virtually for the past three years. OCBC Cycle continues with the virtual rides from 6 May – 5 June, with the following categories – 100KM Virtual Ride, 500KM Virtual Ride and the Spin Ride by CRU. More details on OCBC Cycle 2023 can be found at https://ocbccycle.com. #SportPlusSG #OCBCCycle #LetsGoCycle

Over 5,000 international runners arrived in Singapore to participate in the event, as Kenya’s Ezekiel Kemboi Omullo and Esther Wanjiru Macharia emerged victorious in the male and female Marathon PHOTO: STANDARD CHARTERED SINGAPORE MARATHON SINGAPORE, 4 December 2022 – Close to 40,000 runners took to the streets of Singapore at Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon (SCSM) 2022 this weekend, including more than 5,000 international participants. This year’s edition also saw the return of the Half Marathon 21.1km and Marathon 42.195km categories, marking the return of long-distance running in a road racing format. PHOTO: GENE LECK, SPORTPLUS.SG This places SCSM as the biggest mass participation sporting event after the pandemic. Last year’s edition saw a recovery event with 4,000 runners flagged off in waves of 50 – with three people moving off every 10 seconds – to ensure safe distancing. In addition, only the 5km, 10km and the relay categories were held in-person to keep the participant numbers low. PHOTO: GENE LECK, SPORTPLUS.SG Sport Singapore’s Toh Boon Yi and Patrick Lee, Chief Executive Officer of Singapore & ASEAN Markets at Standard Chartered Bank were present to congratulate the runners at the Marathon finish line. Mr. Patrick Lee was also present at the Half Marathon finish line along with Wilfred Koh, General Manager of Thong Sia Group. Ezekiel Kemboi Omullo from Kenya emerged as the male winner of the Marathon 42.195km category with a time of 2 hours 20 seconds, while Esther Wanjiru Macharia from Kenya was the fastest female where she beat the competition in 2 hours 45 minutes. PHOTO: GENE LECK, SPORTPLUS.SG In the Half Marathon 21.1km category, Geoffrey Birgen and Alice Muthoni Kogi, both from Kenya, were the male and female winners, where they crossed the finish line with timings of 1 hour and 5 minutes, and 1 hour 17 minutes respectively. A prize presentation was held on the same morning of the races, which saw Sport Singapore’s Toh Boon Yi, Eileen Tay, Executive Director of Standard Chartered Bank and Jeff Edwards - Managing Director, Asia, The IRONMAN Group, awarding the $70,000 prize purse to the top male and female finishers for both categories. PHOTO: STANDARD CHARTERED SINGAPORE MARATHON Vanessa Chong was the fastest local marathon runner who finished at a time of 3 hours 11 minutes. Speaking about her race, Vanessa said, “The marathon started out quite rainy with a delay, but I think it was a bit of a blessing in disguise because it was quite cooling throughout. The crowd support was truly amazing and it really kept us going especially in the quieter places.” Jeff Edwards, Managing Director of Asia for The IRONMAN Group commented on the success of the race, “After two years, it was great seeing the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon back in a full-form and the running community coming together again." PHOTO: STANDARD CHARTERED SINGAPORE MARATHON "We are confident that the runners, both local and international, enjoyed themselves as they raced along the iconic buildings and attractions of Singapore. We would like to thank Standard Chartered Bank and all our partners for supporting this journey to help us bring back a full-scale event and look forward to the next edition in 2023.” #Running #SCSM2022 #SgMarathon

The Singapore Marathon will make history this year, as runners will cross the finish line at Singapore's 55,000-capacity centerpiece for sporting, entertainment, lifestyle, and national events PHOTO: STANDARD CHARTERED SINGAPORE MARATHON Singapore, 13 July 2023 – The Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon (SCSM) has announced that race participants of SCSM2023 will begin their run at the F1 Pit Building before finishing on the running track of the iconic National Stadium. This will mark the first time in the event’s history that runners will cross the finish line at the 55,000-capacity venue, which is Singapore’s centerpiece for sporting, entertainment, lifestyle, and national events. The event’s finish line was previously located at The Float @ Marina Bay, which is currently undergoing redevelopment to become a permanent venue known as NS Square. PHOTO: STANDARD CHARTERED SINGAPORE MARATHON This year, runners can expect a different race route and an enhanced finish experience, with several fun-filled and family-friendly activities to be held in the stadium, and the Singapore Sports Hub vicinity. Jeff Edwards, Managing Director of Asia for The IRONMAN Group, said, “We are pleased to offer such a unique finish experience for runners of this year’s event. Participants will enjoy a hero’s welcome as they step onto the track of the National Stadium and cross the finish line in such a spectacular setting. SCSM will return as a World Athletics Gold Label Race event this year as some of the top marathon runners in the world will take to the streets of Singapore. The elevated race experience for all runners will cement our position as the leading mass participation event in Southeast Asia.” PHOTO: STANDARD CHARTERED SINGAPORE MARATHON Beyond the prestige of finishing at the National Stadium, the new venue will offer participants numerous post-race enhancements. Participants will have easy access to the National Stadium, Kallang Wave Mall, as well as the Stadium MRT station for easy departure upon conclusion of their race. Along with the finish being sheltered, the National Stadium will also be full of activities and festivities, creating an incomparable, brand-new race experience that will be supported by race partners. The partners that have confirmed their support include Standard Chartered Bank, Sport Singapore, Singapore Tourism Board, Tata Consultancy Services, PUMA, Seiko, Oatside, and 5-Hour Energy, with more partners to be announced closer to the race date. PHOTO: STANDARD CHARTERED SINGAPORE MARATHON Whilst Singapore Sports Hub is expected to increase in vibrancy this year as it welcomes more events and activations such as the Singapore Trophy, as well as the upcoming Coldplay and Taylor Swift concerts, it will also continue to play home to various community fitness activities. Singapore Sports Hub will be the home ground for all SCSM Training and Pacer Runs which are open to the public, with sessions aimed at assisting participants of SCSM and the wider community train for long-distance running and achieve their fitness goals. The Training Run sessions will begin in mid September. More information on the sessions will be shared once details are confirmed. PHOTO: STANDARD CHARTERED SINGAPORE MARATHON Roy Teo, Chief of Industry Development, Technology and Innovation Group at Sport Singapore shared, “SportSG continues to partner our stakeholders to keep our sporting calendar vibrant. SCSM is a marquee event in our calendar and has consistently attracted runners from all walks of life. This year, the organisers have planned the run’s finish line at our iconic National Stadium for the first time in SCSM’s history. We look forward to welcoming runners and supporters into the heart of our Singapore Sports Hub.” Race entries opened to the public on 27 April and are selling at a strong pace. Tier 1 pricing for the Marathon, Half Marathon, and 10KM race categories have sold out while limited slots are available for Tier 2 pricing. To secure the best price for an unforgettable experience, race organisers urge all interested participants to register as soon as possible. #Running #SCSM2023 #SgMarathon

The region’s leading marathon is set to return on 1- 3 December 2023 PHOTO: STANDARD CHARTERED SINGAPORE MARATHON ● The 2023 edition will ‘go beyond’ and host the International Elite Race and Singapore National Championships ● Priority registration for 300KM Club members opens on 26 April, 10am, with public and Kids Dash registration starting from 27 April. Standard Chartered cardholders will enjoy a 15% discount Singapore, 26 April 2023 – The Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon (SCSM) marks its return this year as a World Athletics Gold Label Race for the first time since the pandemic. The three-day festival, which hosts the International Elite Race and the Singapore National Championships will take place from 1 – 3 December 2023, and is expected to draw up to 50,000 participants. PHOTO: STANDARD CHARTERED SINGAPORE MARATHON The SCSM 2023 International Elite Race will feature some of the world’s top long-distance runners, as well as top Singaporeans vying for the honour of being crowned national champion at marathon and half marathon distances. To ensure that participants and spectators have the most enjoyable experience, the running route will include iconic landmarks through the city. More details on the route and road closures will be confirmed closer to the event. Speaking on the launch, Jeff Edwards, Managing Director of Asia for the IRONMAN Group, said, “The positive feedback and success from last year was extremely encouraging, and we, along with our partners are focused on making the 2023 race experience even better. This commitment to improve reflects this year’s theme, ‘Our Race to Go Beyond’, which aims to encourage the community to surpass their own expectations and push their boundaries. PHOTO: STANDARD CHARTERED SINGAPORE MARATHON Enhancements are in the works not just to the routes, but the overall experience to really go beyond previous expectations. We’re building up event festivities and initiatives to better engage the running community in Singapore and further promote a positive running culture. Apart from the return of the Elite Race, we also have several initiatives planned along the course to provide memorable experiences for runners, spectators and the overall community.” Patrick Lee, Cluster CEO, Singapore and ASEAN Markets (Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand and representative offices), Standard Chartered said: "We’re proud to be the title sponsor of The Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon for over two decades. It is one the most prestigious races in the region and Singapore's marquee running event." "With the return of the World Athletics Gold Label and the National Championships, we look forward to seeing the best international and local long-distance athletes return to the start line this year," he added. PHOTO: STANDARD CHARTERED SINGAPORE MARATHON "At the same time, the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon is a race for everyone – bringing people from all walks of life together to stay active and lead a healthy lifestyle, while binding our community through the shared values of resilience and determination.” Keith Tan, Chief Executive of the Singapore Tourism Board, said: “The Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon, with its world-class athletes and race organisation, continues to set Singapore apart as a leading destination for sports tourism in the region. SCSM is a key highlight in Singapore’s sporting calendar, and I am confident it will offer a fulfilling experience for both locals and visitors against the backdrop of our vibrant city.” Similar to last year’s edition, participants will also be able to sign up for the Double Up Challenge, as well as the SCSM TCS Corporate Challenge. For the Double Up Challenge, participants can choose to register for either the 5km or 10km category, combined with a half marathon 21.1km or marathon 42.195km. Upon completion, they will receive their respective event finisher medals and an exclusive Double Up Challenge medal. The SCSM Corporate Challenge will also be taking place this year. PHOTO: STANDARD CHARTERED SINGAPORE MARATHON Corporate rates are available for companies who wish to participate in SCSM2023. Organisers, The IRONMAN Group, have also announced the return of the Singapore National Championships, which will see Singapore’s top national athletes compete in the marathon (Open and Masters categories) and half marathon. Each category is limited to a field size of 15 male and 15 female athletes. To qualify and compete for the prize purse, athletes must be a current member of a Singapore running club affiliated with Singapore Athletics and must have had achieved their respective category’s qualification timing in a World Athletics or National Federation sanctioned race from 1 January 2022 to 31 October 2023. Male athletes running in the marathon category will need to have a timing of 2hrs 45min 00sec or less, while the female athletes will have to achieve a timing of 3hrs 15min 00sec or better. For the Masters’ category, the qualification timing is 3hrs 00min 00sec or less for male athletes and 3hrs 30min 00sec or less for female athletes. PHOTO: STANDARD CHARTERED SINGAPORE MARATHON For the half marathon category, male and female athletes will need to have an official timing of 1hr 15min 00sec and 1hr 30min 00sec or less respectively, within the same qualifying window period. Registration for the National Championships will commence from 27 April and ends on 31 October 2023. All qualifying times submitted will be subject to review and verification, and not all qualifiers will be automatically accepted nor guaranteed entry. Lien Choong Luen, President, Singapore Athletics (SA) said, “We are excited to be working with the IRONMAN Group once again to bring back the National Championships at SCSM this year. We look forward to witnessing our top athletes competing for the coveted title of national champion, whilst also allowing local runners to experience what it’s like to compete among elites at the region’s marquee event." "Beyond the National Championships, we are also looking forward to delivering a race experience that engages the local running community, including community activations supporting the Kids Dash, 5km and 10km events.” PHOTO: STANDARD CHARTERED SINGAPORE MARATHON Alan Goh, Chief Executive Officer at Sport Singapore shared: “We are pleased to see the return of both international and local elite racing at SCSM. This is a testament of the SCSM’s reputation as a world-class event for both professional and recreational runners. According to our annual National Sports Participation Survey, running consistently ranks as one of the most popular sports among Singaporeans. Besides elite athletes competing for a podium finish, we look forward to seeing families, friends and running interest groups out in numbers during Singapore’s largest running event. SportSG will continue to work with our many partners to make sporting events in Singapore unique and an enjoyable experience for all participants and spectators.” The three-day event will kick off with the Kids Dash on Friday evening, followed by the 5km and 10km on Saturday morning, while the marathon and half marathon categories will flag off on Sunday morning. PHOTO: STANDARD CHARTERED SINGAPORE MARATHON Priority registration for SCSM2023 will be open from 26 April at 10.00am Singapore time for SCSM 300KM Club runners as well as marathon participants of SCSM2022. Tier 1 pricing for the marathon, half marathon, 10km, 5km and Kids Dash are $113, $95, $76, $58, and $38 respectively. Public registration, as well as registration for the Kids Dash will begin on 27 April at 10.00am Singapore time. In addition, Standard Chartered cardholders will enjoy a 15% discount off registration fees. To register and for more information, please visit https://singaporemarathon.com/. #Running #SCSM2023 #SgMarathon

In partnership with Meddy Teddy, sessions will be conducted on 2 & 3 September by Jimin Choi and her daughter Skye PHOTO: PURE YOGA Singapore, 22 August 2023 — PURE Yoga partner Meddy Teddy, an international mindfulness movement, is hosting PURE x Meddy Teddy Kids Yoga, a series of Yoga workshops for children on 2 and 3 September 2023. PHOTO: PURE YOGA Led by Jimin Choi, a certified yoga teacher specialising in kids and family yoga, and her daughter, Skye, the sessions cost S$60 each and all proceeds will go to Singapore Children’s Society, to create a positive impact on the lives of children, youth and families in need. PHOTO: PURE YOGA Children between the ages of 7 and 11 are welcome to participate , and each child will receive a special Meddy Teddy Bear to aid in the yoga experience as they are guided through a series of age-appropriate yoga poses, breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques. Age-appropriate Yoga poses, Breathing Exercises and Relaxation Techniques Introduce your child to yoga with Jimin, kids and family yoga-certified teacher and her daughter, Skye, through a series of age-appropriate yoga poses, breathing exercises and relaxation techniques. PHOTO: PURE YOGA This fun and engaging workshop is designed to introduce children to yoga practice in a supportive and social environment and is suitable for kids aged between 7 to 11 years old. Every child will receive a Meddy Teddy Bear as a welcome gift; it will be used during the class. PHOTO: PURE YOGA Class size is capped at 20 children to ensure a warm and welcoming environment for your child to connect with their body and mind in a positive and nurturing way. Take this chance to do your part to create a better future for underprivileged children as all proceeds will go to the Singapore Children’s Society. Registration can be made via PURE Group’s website. #SportPlusSG #Yoga

Pereira Sisters tell of Shanti's history-making story via illustrations to share the message of hope, care, and courage PHOTO: GO SHANTI! GO In a time where sporting events have suffered greatly across the globe, it is easy to forget the unique appeal of sport and its transformative power to change lives. Indeed not only does sport bring people together from a multitude of backgrounds, in recent times it has also empowered young girls and women, fueling incredible journeys and breaking down mental barriers by bringing visibility and exposure to stories that would otherwise be unheard. How timely it is then, to be reminded that we have some inspiring sporting stories of our own right here in sunny Singapore. PHOTO: GO SHANTI! GO Co-authored by Valerie and Shobi Pereira, and illustrated by Sienny Septibella, Go Shanti Go! is a children's book that looks to inspire and encourage the younger generation to never give up on their dreams, whatever they may be. The story is based on the real life journey of Shanti, the youngest sister of the Pereira family, and current record holder of the Singapore women's 100m and 200m sprint events. In 2015 Shanti Pereira broke a 42 year-long wait to help Singapore clinch its first gold medal at the Southeast Asian Games in the Women's 200m sprint event. It proved to be one of the Games' most defining moments and talked about events. PHOTO: GO SHANTI! GO Go Shanti Go! chronicles Shanti’s life thus far, from being inspired after watching her sister Valerie represent Singapore at the 2011 SEA Games (Jakarta-Palembang), to her own history-making gold medal performance in 2015. SportPlus.sg had the chance recently to speak with the Pereira sisters to find out more about the book! Will we be expecting Go Shanti Go! to be part of the Singapore Sports Museum at any time in the future? It would definitely be an honor if the book were to eventually have a space in the Singapore Sports Museum. It was a historical triumph for Shanti, and participating on home ground made it extra special. We always recall so clearly how the national stadium cheered for Shanti as she was racing and it still gives us goosebumps when we think about it. Not only because of how great the race was run, but also seeing, feeling, and hearing first hand how sports could bring people together. Since the book was written before this year's Olympic games, would there be a sequel to it with the Olympics added to Shanti's story? We’ve not really talked about a sequel, but when we think of all the athletes who competed in this Olympics, we are inspired by all their journeys leading up to the games. How they continued to train in a pandemic when it might have been easier to just give up. We’re not sure how this could translate into a picture book for children, but we hope that these stories will be told in other ways. Shanti’s Olympic experience, like many other athletes, truly inspired many kids this year. PHOTO: GO SHANTI! GO Beyond giving hope, one of the key messages of the book is also that of care - how would you say this theme is carried in the context of today's sporting scene? Athletes are required to make many sacrifices in their lives to achieve their sporting goals, be it school, their careers outside of sport etc. This can take a toll on athletes in so many different ways where they may feel inadequate in other aspects of life. Therefore it is important that athletes have a proper support system that is always there for them throughout their challenging journeys, which is what this book also represents. It shows athletes that there will always be people there to support them, and encourage them to keep going, and to keep chasing their dreams. Is this book purely a physical one, or will there be plans to make a digital version or e-book? The book is purely physical, and we don’t have any plans at the moment to make an e-book. What would be the greatest legacy for your family from this book - or what would give your family the greatest satisfaction / joy from this book from the general public, particularly for kids who may not be runners or doing track? There have been so many positive messages from parents on how their young ones enjoy the book and start running around the house, but also how it helps them talk to their children about how it’s ok to lose, not giving up, and working hard to achieve your dreams. This could apply to anyone, regardless of being runners or doing track. We had one reader who shared with us that her daughter has a condition that causes one of her legs to be quite inflexible and therefore needs to do a lot of stretches and exercises to strengthen it. PHOTO: GO SHANTI! GO She shared that the book helped encourage her daughter not to give up and that she could get better with hard work and practice, and that sometimes she would pretend to be Shanti and sprint up and down the house. We love that the book was able to do this. If you are looking for a truly heart-warming story to teach your children about care, and to get them inspired and motivated amidst this pandemic, we strongly recommend Go Shanti Go! The book is available at http://www.goshantigo.com/ for $14.90, and is recommended for children from 3 to 7 years-old. #SportPlusSG #ChildrensBooks #GoShantiGo

Although more than 72% of people ranked their wellbeing as a top priority in Singapore, 48% said they thought achieving wellbeing as a top priority was impossible PHOTO: LULULEMON SINGAPORE • More than 72% of people in Singapore place wellbeing as their top priority, yet 48% feel that achieving wellbeing as a top priority is impossible • For men, societal factors are key: more than 50% in Singapore wish they wouldn't be judged for showing an interest in improving their mental wellbeing. • lululemon deepens commitment in Singapore with “Find Your Wellbeing” – a series of initiatives that help advance men’s and the community’s wellbeing • CrossFit Trainer Aidan Chemaly to hold a 24-hour Murph Challenge that seeks to bring to life community wellbeing and a safe space for expression PHOTO: LULULEMON SINGAPORE Singapore, 29 September 2023 – lululemon released its third annual Global Wellbeing Report (GWR) which reveals the worldwide state of wellbeing has not improved since the company first surveyed in 2021, during the height of the pandemic. In fact, 40% of respondents in Singapore said wellbeing is lower than it has ever been before. Although more than 72% of people ranked their wellbeing as a top priority, 48% said they thought achieving wellbeing as a top priority was impossible. The “Wellbeing Dilemma” is the result of a troubling paradox: the prioritization of wellbeing is not improving wellbeing. While the Global Wellbeing Index score has remained stagnant at 66, there is hope and an opportunity to learn from those with higher wellbeing as uncovered by the report. PHOTO: LULULEMON SINGAPORE As a global company committed to advancing wellbeing for all, lululemon has continued to provide access to wellbeing tools and resources to more than five million people and counting. This October, lululemon will be launching “Find Your Wellbeing” – an invitation to embark on a path to being well through a series of activities in key cities around the Asia Pacific (APAC) region including Singapore that support physical, mental and social wellbeing. The campaign will kick off with a four-day wellbeing event in Seoul, South Korea on October 12. “lululemon believes wellbeing is a personal journey, rather than a destination. While ‘wellbeing’ is recognized as a life priority, the concept along with its barriers have become increasingly overwhelming. The heightened expectations around what ‘wellbeing’ should have led to a downward spiral triggering further anxieties and stress,” said Gareth Pope, Senior Vice President, lululemon, Asia Pacific, “insights from the report help us better understand how to support people and communities in their efforts to be well within APAC and globally. PHOTO: LULULEMON SINGAPORE With the dedication to advancing wellbeing for all, lululemon is committed to building a path towards positive change and helping guests embark on their personal wellbeing journey.” The “Wellbeing Dilemma” manifesting in Singapore While many pandemic era challenges are behind us, there has not been a post-pandemic morale boost. In Singapore, there are certain groups that are feeling the impact of low wellbeing more acutely, creating a ripple effect of impact to both the individual and society: • People are feeling that barriers to wellbeing are harder to overcome: o 36% of people in Singapore do not have the time to think about their wellbeing. o 45% feel the need to pretend to be happy even when not because of societal pressures. PHOTO: LULULEMON SINGAPORE • Men and Gen Zs are feeling the impact of low wellbeing more acutely: o Men face challenges speaking up about and/or improving their mental health; more than 1 in 2 individuals identifying as men in Singapore wish they wouldn't be judged for showing an interest in improving their mental wellbeing. ▪ Nearly half of individuals identifying as men feel societal expectations for men in Singapore make it difficult for them to express their emotions. ▪ 50% of the surveyed men within Singapore feel that society has made it more difficult for them to speak up about their mental health than women. o Gen Zs in Singapore feel the effect of social media on wellbeing; 2 in 5 Gen Zsin Singapore reported that social media negatively impacts their mental wellbeing. PHOTO: LULULEMON SINGAPORE A path to progress The report uncovers steps everyone can take to improve their wellbeing, learning from those with higher wellbeing: • Workout / exercise with other people when possible. Those with high wellbeing are 4X more likely than those with low wellbeing to have joined free community-based workouts. • Work to express your needs, especially with loved ones. 72% of those with higher wellbeing are more vocal about their needs in friendships, relationships and with family. PHOTO: LULULEMON SINGAPORE lululemon Deepens Commitment to Advocate for Wellbeing The GWR provides a glimpse into Singapore’s state of holistic wellbeing, revealing the personal struggles and societal barriers in people’s pursuit of wellness, especially among men and Gen Z. To help break the stigma and tackle challenges to achieving wellness, lululemon will be launching the “Find Your Wellbeing” campaign across the region in the month of October to celebrate World Mental Health Day (October 10). Forming the cornerstone of the campaign is a holistic wellbeing event that will kick off in Seoul, bringing together celebrities, athletes, field experts including psychologists, and lululemon ambassadors. This will culminate in a series of community sweat sessions and interactive pop-ups in the region for all to embark on their journey toward feeling well with acts of movement, mindfulness, and connection. PHOTO: LULULEMON SINGAPORE Global Wellbeing Report 2023 for Singapore The Global Wellbeing Report (GWR) is lululemon's unique research study designed to look at the global wellbeing landscape - from its challenges to solutions - over time. Now in its third edition, GWR 2023 included 14 markets and focused on the general public. The online survey was fielded in 14 markets between May 1, 2023 to June 6, 2023. Key Findings for Singapore 72% of people in Singapore place wellbeing as a top priority, however 48% feel that this is impossible to achieve. In particular, half (50%) of the surveyed men within Singapore feel society has made it more difficult for them to speak up about their mental health than women, and 52% of men feel societal expectations hinder their expression of emotion. Meanwhile Gen Z's wellbeing is greatly affected by social media, with 39% expressing that social media negatively impacts their mental wellbeing. #lululemonsg #Wellbeing

Charmaine Soh returns to the fold after a year out due to injury, as tickets go on sale for the 22-28 October event PHOTO: NETBALL SINGAPORE Singapore, 12 September 2023 – The Mirxes Nations Cup is set to make its highly-anticipated return to the OCBC Arena from 22 to 28 October 2023. Supporters can look forward to catching Team Singapore in action again, including fan favourite and Singapore’s most-capped player Charmaine Soh, following a year out due to injury. The Singapore Opens team participating in the 2023 Mirxes Nations Cup remains largely unchanged from the team that competed in July’s Netball World Cup, except for the notable return of shooters Charmaine Soh and Lee Pei Shan. At this year’s Netball World Cup, the team placed 15th and secured victories against Sri Lanka twice – the first time the Singapore national team has recorded wins against the Asian Champions since 2015. Soh is an iconic figure in Singapore’s netball history, having been a stalwart in the national team since making her international debut in 2011 at the Netball World Cup in Singapore against Jamaica. Over the years, the 33-year-old has achieved numerous milestones for Singapore, being part of the winning team at the 2012 and 2014 Asian Netball Championships and the 2015 SEA Games. Soh, who currently has 123 caps, also serves as a World Netball Athlete Ambassador for Asia. Upon her selection to compete in the Mirxes Nations Cup, Soh expressed her gratitude and said: “It’s always an honour to represent Singapore, and I’m thankful for the opportunity to do so again. Overcoming a serious injury has been challenging, and I’m extremely grateful to all who have supported me during my recovery. I can’t wait to compete in front of the fans, friends and family again and contribute to the team’s success at the Mirxes Nations Cup.” Featuring a round-robin format, six teams from around the world will vie for the Mirxes Nations Cup trophy. The lineup includes top-ranked teams, namely Sri Lanka (15), Cook Islands (20), Papua New Guinea (39), Canada (unranked), and Singapore’s very own Opens (28) and A teams. The Singapore Opens team, under the leadership of national coach Annette Bishop, is poised to face established opponents during the tournament, and stated: “The team had a strong showing at the Netball World Cup earlier this year, and we’re determined to build on that momentum. While our team remains largely unchanged, the return of Charmaine brings a wealth of experience, while Pei Shan, with her height and strength, will provide a different challenge to opposing defenders. Together, Pei Shan and Charmaine offer unique strengths and we will continue to build on our strong showing this year as a team.” PHOTO: NETBALL SINGAPORE The Singapore A Team, Netball Singapore’s developmental squad, is set to feature in the Nations Cup once again, building on their introduction to the competition last year. Established in 2020, the Singapore A Team predominantly comprises players aged 23 and under. It also includes Opens players who may not regularly secure court time or are returning to the national setup after a hiatus from competitive action. The inclusion of the Singapore A Team in the Mirxes Nations Cup adds depth to the competition and serves as a crucial bridge for emerging talents to gain invaluable experience, bolstering the overall strength of the national team and nurturing the future of netball in the country. One notable success story from the Singapore A Team is Aqilah Andin, who made her return to competitive netball, representing and captaining the Singapore A Team at the 2022 Nations Cup after giving birth in July last year. Andin, who will be part of the Opens team at the Mirxes Nations Cup, reflected on her experience: “I have cherished memories of competing at last year’s Nations Cup, especially because I had my son Qaif in the stands watching me play. Being part of the Singapore A Team last year significantly aided my exposure to competitive netball against top-notch teams again after almost being out for some time. This experience was pivotal in my journey back to the Opens team and paved the way for me to play in top competitions such as this year’s Netball World Cup.” Mirxes, the title sponsor for the 2023 and 2024 Mirxes Nations Cup, has expressed its support. “Mirxes is honoured to be the title sponsor for the 2023 and 2024 Nations Cup. Through this sponsorship, we aim to amplify the message of preventive health, using sports as a powerful platform to inspire positive change,” said Mr. Teo Cher Hwa, Senior Vice President, Health Innovation Delivery, Mirxes. The Mirxes Nations Cup is scheduled to take place from 22 to 28 October 2023 at the OCBC Arena. Tickets are now available for purchase through Ticketmaster. For more information on the Mirxes Nations Cup, follow Netball Singapore (@netballsingapore) on social media for the latest updates. Singapore Opens Team Toh Kai Wei (Co-Captain) Khor Ting Fang (Co-Captain) Aqilah Andin (Vice Captain) Charmaine Soh Lee Pei Shan Amandeep Kaur Angelina Lim Tan Yi Jie Rachel Ling Kimberly Lim Jamie Lim Reena Divya Reserves Goh Wei Ping K. Mishalenee Singapore A Team Goh Wei Ping Priscilla Wong Rebecca Leong Sherlyn Yip Zulfa Rashad Laura Low Matilda Su-Yin Narayan Miki Ng Faith Lawrence Norah Paul Gabriel Shannon Tan K. Mishalenee Training Partners Jenine Ang Uzma Rashad #SportPlusSG #Netball #NationsCup

LIV ACTIV's new Raffles City store spans 3,000 square feet and is its biggest in Singapore PHOTO: LIV ACTIV Singapore, 5 September 2023 – LIV ACTIV, a leading destination for multi-sport and lifestyle gear, is pleased to announce the opening of its newest retail location at Raffles City Singapore this month. The expansion marks a significant milestone for the local brand, building upon its initial store opening in 2014. The addition of the newest store extends LIV ACTIV’s offering of high-quality athletic and lifestyle apparel and accessories to the discerning shoppers of one of Singapore’s prominent retail malls in the heart of the city. LIV ACTIV presently operates two other stores in Singapore, located at Velocity @ Novena Square and Changi City Point. PHOTO: LIV ACTIV The new LIV ACTIV store at Raffles City boasts a spacious retail space of 3,000sqft, showcasing a thoughtfully curated collection of gear and accessories from renowned sports and lifestyle brands worldwide, such as The North Face, HOKA, Salomon, ON, Helly Hansen, BUFF, OOFOS and Gregory. New to this space is a state-of-the-art trail ramp with different terrain surfaces, where customers can test out their hiking shoes before making a purchase. This innovative feature underscores LIV ACTIV’s commitment to ensuring that customers can make informed choices when selecting the perfect gear for their outdoor adventures. PHOTO: LIV ACTIV "We are thrilled to open our doors at Raffles City, which marks a pivotal moment for our brand as we aim to provide an enhanced shopping experience for our valued customers," said Mr. Walter Tan, Managing Director of Outdoor Venture Pte Ltd. "This new store underlines our commitment to serve the active community in Singapore by offering premium products that cater to their fitness and outdoor needs. The central location of Raffles City will allow us to make our products even more accessible for our esteemed patrons." PHOTO: LIV ACTIV To celebrate the grand opening, LIV ACTIV has introduced these exciting special promotions for its valued customers: - 20% off The North Face, Helly Hansen, and Gregory regular-priced products - 15% off Salomon regular-priced products PHOTO: LIV ACTIV An additional 10% off with a minimum of 2 items purchased, for any of the above brands. These promotions end on 1 October 2023. The biggest and newest LIV ACTIV store is located at 252 North Bridge Road #02-05, Raffles City Shopping Centre, Singapore 179103. For more information on LIV ACTIV, you can follow LIV ACTIV (@livactiv) on social media for the latest updates and deals. #LiveActivSG