Only a special name for National Stadium

SINGAPORE - The National Stadium and the Singapore Indoor Stadium are national icons and will not be up for any naming rights deal.

But the two facilities may get names of national significance that are not attached to commercial brands.

Speaking on the sidelines of a landmark sponsorship deal between OCBC Group and the SportsHub Pte Ltd yesterday, Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Lawrence Wong said: "It is fitting that we preserve both venues as national icons... but we also may have the possibility of either facility named after a personality... somebody we'd like to remember, for example."

OCBC's deal, worth more than $50 million over 15 years, will feature strong community involvement.

In his speech at the Sports Hub Experience Centre, OCBC Bank chairman Cheong Choong Kong said: "Our sponsorship money will be primarily directed towards funding activities for the Singapore community and not so much the big events, which will no doubt have commercial sponsors.

"Our money will help our partner put together a variety of grassroots programmes and events that could range from learn-to-play programmes and clinics to try out new sports."

While details are still being ironed out, Singapore Sports Hub chief executive officer Philippe Delavaud said that activities can range from programmes that cater to 100 to 200 people right up to large-scale community events.

OCBC Group, which includes insurance company Great Eastern, are ardent supporters of cycling and running here, with marquee events like the OCBC Cycle Singapore and Great Eastern Women's Run.

Wong believes ordinary Singaporeans will benefit from the deal.

He said: "The additional resources will allow the SportsHub Pte Ltd to organise more events and activities, which will benefit Singaporeans, and this is something from the sponsorship we welcome."

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