Cream of the crop

CHIA SHING KEE (RAFFLES INSTITUTION), 14

TABLE TENNIS

Why do you think you deserve to win?

I am very passionate about table tennis. Even injuries don't dampen my enthusiasm for the game. I came back to play although my injury was not fully healed. It was painful, but I just couldn't bear being away from the sport.

What will winning mean to you?

It will mean a lot, because I worked very hard for this. Also, I'm sure it will motivate me to keep getting better.

What are your plans for the future?

I'd like to represent Singapore one day.

MUHD INDRA MORAGA (HONG KAH SECONDARY SCHOOL), 14

FOOTBALL

Why do you think you deserve to win?

I've made many sacrifices in order to do well in football. I've played at my best the past few years both for my school, and also for my Centre of Excellence team at Warriors FC

What will winning mean to you?

It will mean a lot, of course. It will prove that all my hard work and sacrifices have paid off. It will show that I'm doing things right, and that I'm on the right path. But, most importantly, it will make my family proud.

After all the sacrifices that my father has done for me, it is only right that I repay him with this award. I will never forget his passion and dedication to see me succeed in life.

What are your plans for the future?

I aspire to be a professional footballer. But, for now, my aim is to do well for Hong Kah and Warriors.

MARCUS TANG (TANJONG KATONG SECONDARY SCHOOL), 14

FOOTBALL

Why do you think you deserve to win?

I have put in a lot of effort in football. Although I started playing only in Secondary One, I trained very hard and I'm now in the national Under-15 team.

What will winning mean to you?

It will be a huge boost for me. I've been juggling studies and football, and that almost caused me to have bad results in school, but I pulled through. Also, with all the injuries I've suffered, it will be a big boost both mentally and physically if I win the award.

What are your plans for the future?

With the new Sports Hub and plenty of avenues to pursue football, I hope to be a Singapore international. When I fractured my finger earlier this year, it was very bad. My finger was almost snapped into two. But I came back strongly. I want to show the same determination and make it to the top.

JOHN CHRISTOPHER (UNITY SECONDARY SCHOOL), 15

BASKETBALL

Why do you think you deserve to win?

I deserve the award for the dedication and effort I've put in training. It wasn't easy to get to where I am and be able to represent my school in basketball.

What will winning mean to you?

It will be an award for me to remember and cherish, and it will always remind me of how hard I have worked this year.

What are your plans for the future?

My aim is simply to work harder to be even better than what I am now. That's my plan.

AIZAT JUFRIE (RAFFLES INSTITUTION), 18

GYMNASTICS

Why do you think you deserve to win?

I deserve it because I've made my school and country proud in competitions like the Commonwealth Games. Hopefully, if I win, I can encourage more people to take up gymnastics.

What will winning mean to you?

I feel that it is a very prestigious award to win, and it would be an honour to have my effort and achievements recognised.

What are your plans for the future?

Right now, my mind is on the SEA Games next year. Hopefully, I will continue my training and in the near future, achieve my dream of making it to the Olympics.

CHARLENE ONG (ST MARGARET'S SECONDARY SCHOOL), 14

NETBALL

Why do you think you deserve to win?

Because I've been playing netball well for a very long time.

What will winning mean to you?

I would be very honoured and blessed to know that I have many supporters who rooted for me.

What are your plans for the future?

I want to be a netball coach. I'd like in particular to train students. I was inspired by my coach, and she taught us many valuable things. I hope to be able to do the same.

TONG KAH MUN (NANYANG JUNIOR COLLEGE), 17

GYMNASTICS

Why do you think you deserve to win?

I have put in great effort to progress in gymnastics.

What will winning mean to you?

It will mean a lot. A win can motivate me to do even better in the sport. It'll be the first time I win such an award so it will feel great.

What are your plans for the future?

I hope that I'll continue to do well, and serve as a role model to younger athletes.

CHUA SHIN YOONG (CATHOLIC JUNIOR COLLEGE), 18

SHOOTING

Why do you think you deserve to win?

At one stage, I thought of giving up shooting. But I got on my feet and gave it my best, and have now ended up doing well.

What will winning mean to you?

To me, it'll be another milestone, another big achievement. It will also serve as motivation for my friends and juniors.

What are your plans for the future?

I intend to continue shooting, whether or not I go to a local or foreign university.

ARFYNNA SHAKIRA SARIMAN (CRESCENT GIRLS' SCHOOL), 16

HOCKEY

Why do you think you deserve to win?

The team and I made great strides to finally become National Schools B Division champions.

What will winning mean to you?

Winning is an affirmation that my school is not only developing students for academic excellence but also supporting students to develop their passion in sports. It confirms my team's effort and triumph in overcoming self-doubt.

The award will also be my way of saying "thank you" to my family, teachers, teammates and friends for believing in me. I believe that every accomplishment starts with the decision to try.

What are your plans for the future?

Of course, I will continue to play hockey whenever and wherever possible. I would like to give back to my school what I have gained, by returning and help coach the juniors.

ALEXANDRA STEWART (SINGAPORE SPORTS SCHOOL), 14

NETBALL

Why do you think you deserve to win?

I've done all that I can to be the best that I can be

What will winning mean to you?

Many people have supported and stood by me. They believed in me, so winning the award will be a reward not only for me, but also for them too.

What are your plans for the future?

I definitely want to move up the ranks in the national netball set-up. I started from Under-14, so I want to go on to U-17, U-19 and beyond.

This article was first published on Nov 13, 2014.
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