Windsurfing scandal: No reason to conspire

One of the boys at the centre of a windsurfing team racing scandal has denied any wrongdoing.

On Thursday, The New Paper reported that five windsurfers allegedly conspired against one of their teammates, Klinsmann Ang, during the Fish and Co National Youth Sailing Championships in March.

Under the alleged pact, four of the boys helped the fifth by disrupting Klinsmann's races throughout the five-day regatta, which served as a qualifier for December's South-east Asia (SEA) Games.

Working as a team during fleet racing is considered a gross misconduct violation under the Racing Rules of Sailing.

The teen, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said there was no reason for the boys in question to do so.

BARELY NEAR HIM

He told TNP: "I wasn't involved because I was barely near him, which meant I had no effect on his race.

"There's no benefit for anyone to agree to team racing at a regatta like this because the entry fee is very expensive and there's only a trophy at stake.

"Everyone wanted to go out and do his best."

Meanwhile, the Singapore Sailing Federation (SSF) clarified on Thursday that the investigation was under its purview and not that of the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth.

SSF chief executive Tan Wearn Haw said the SSF had convened an inquiry committee comprising independent members in August. The investigation is still ongoing.

He also stressed that the governing body had acted according to protocol under the international rules that govern the sport.

In an e-mail response to queries from TNP, Tan said: "Without the specific allegations put in writing and due process followed, it would also invalidate the case on technicality.

"Subsequently, a handwritten note from one of the regatta participants was received on July 30 by SSF through SSC (Singapore Sports Council) admitting to a conspiracy to affect the outcome of the results of certain regattas held in early 2013."

Tan said that, after this, the inquiry committee was set up within two weeks "to hear, review, establish facts and make recommendations on the case".

He added: "SSF respects the due process and confirms that the investigations are being carried out in a fair manner. SSF remains impartial and neutral in reviewing the facts surrounding the case(s) and will continue to work with the relevant parties to ensure the matter is resolved in an appropriate manner."

Tan also noted that the federation had offered to mediate between Klinsmann's family and the other windsurfers involved in a case of alleged cyber-bullying on Twitter in June.

While it was initially rejected by Klinsmann's parents to avoid friction, they requested for another meeting a month after the complaint, which the SSF is looking into.

Former SSF chief Low Teo Ping, who was named on Thursday as chef-de-mission for next year's Commonwealth Games, has since called for a swift and positive resolution to the issue.

MORE AMICABLE

He said: "It's important for these things to be more amicable and less acrimonious. Right now, it's important to resolve the issue and nip such things in the bud, because such issues don't help the sport or the management involved.

"Everyone involved has to sit down, put the facts on the table and search for a resolution.

"Such things happen in every sport, be it sailing, rugby or athletics. And, not just in sport, it happens in business as well.

"You have to appreciate the fact that these athletes are all highly charged - they want to win. And, when deprived of victory, it hits them in the heart. Sometimes, the head needs to catch up and say 'come on'."

gregloo@sph.com.sg

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