9 March 2005
Embargoed till 10am, 14 March 2005
MEDIA RELEASE
REPUBLIC POLYTECHNIC AND BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION OF SINGAPORE PARTNER TO TAKE BASKETBALL TO GREATER HEIGHTS
First Signing Of Memorandum Of Understanding Between Singapore’s Basketball Body And An Institution Of Learning
Basketball development in Singapore is taking another significant leap forward. The Basketball Association of Singapore (BAS) and Republic Polytechnic (RP) are partnering to promote and develop the sports at the school and grassroots level. This comes in the wake of the recent elevation of basketball to a Merit Sport by the Singapore Sports Council.
On 14 March 2005, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will be signed between RP and BAS, which involves collaboration on several fronts. This ranges from sports education and certification to research studies and outreach programmes to promote basketball among schools and in the community.
Republic Polytechnic’s Principal and CEO, Professor Low Teck Seng, hailed the collaboration as a win-win for both organisations and for the sport in Singapore. “With the strong support of the Basketball Association of Singapore, Republic Polytechnic will strive to excel in basketball, including the setting-up of a Basketball Development Centre within our campus. This MOU marks a big step forward in our aim to nurture young talents in basketball not only in RP and fellow institutions of higher learning, but also within the community.”
This will be in line with RP’s plan to launch a fifth school – specialising in sports and recreation sciences – which offers a range of sports-related diplomas.
BAS sees the collaboration as a positive extension of basketball being granted Merit Sport status. Mr Ang Tun Hoo, Deputy President of Basketball Association of Singapore, said: “Spotting and grooming young basketball talent is one important way to develop the sport in Singapore. Our partnership with Republic Polytechnic and our joint efforts in many areas will lift the profile of the sport and attract greater participation, starting from the school and grassroots level.”
The collaboration will be marked by a nationwide 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament known as The BIG (Basketball is Great) Game. This 3-day competition, from 14 to 16 March 2005, is organised by RP, with the support of BAS, Singapore Sports Council and Singapore Pools, and co-sponsored by Converse Singapore.
You are cordially invited to join us for the MOU signing ceremony between Republic Polytechnic and Basketball Association of Singapore, followed by a friendly match involving Singapore’s national basketball players and RP students, and the kick-off of The BIG Game:
Date: Monday, 14 March 2005
Time: 9.30am (guests to be seated by 9.15am)
Venue: Republic Polytechnic Sports Complex
Tanglin Campus, 1 Kay Siang Road, Singapore 248922
About Republic Polytechnic
The first educational institution in Singapore to fully adopt the Problem-Based Learning approach is a progressive polytechnic with four schools offering 10 diploma courses in Engineering, Information and Communications Technology, Applied Science and Technology for the Arts. Republic Polytechnic is committed to nurturing innovation and entrepreneurial learning in an environment that develops problem-solving process skills and a lifelong learning attitude. Its holistic, broad-based curriculum, covering culture, enterprise development, and personal development, prepares students for an active, meaningful role in society. Republic Polytechnic’s quest for excellence is recognised through various national and international accreditations such as People Developer Standards, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, OHSAS 18001 and the Family Friendly Employer Award. For more information, visit www.rp.sg
About Basketball Association of Singapore
Basketball Association of Singapore (BAS) is the official national body recognised by the Singapore Sports Council for the promotion of basketball in Singapore. It oversees all competitive activities, including the national team, training and accreditation of coaches and referees. It is also the official liaising body for the sport with the Singapore Sports Council, FIBA, schools, media and other national sports associations. It organises local and regional tournaments. It is geared to be a catalyst in promoting the sport as recreation among the masses.
For media RSVP, enquiries and interviews, please contact:
Augustine Low
Email: gus_low@rp.sg Tel: 9274 2489
Eileen Goh
Email: eileen@bas.org.sg Tel: 6743 8425