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PM Lee Hsien Loong applauds efforts of Games-bound athletes amid pandemic

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong during the online session with Team Singapore athletes heading for the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics. (PHOTO: Facebook/Lee Hsien Loong)
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong during the online session with Team Singapore athletes heading for the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics. (PHOTO: Facebook/Lee Hsien Loong)

SINGAPORE — Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has applauded the efforts of Team Singapore athletes preparing for the upcoming Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

PM Lee had organised an online session with the athletes on Tuesday (13 July), as they are preparing for their various competitions for the 23 July to 8 August Olympics as well as the 24 August to 5 September Paralympics.

He noted in a post on his Facebook page that the COVID-19 pandemic has made it a very challenging year for the athletes preparing for the Games.

He singled out rower Joan Poh, who qualified for her competition amid her day job as a nurse at Tan Tock Seng Hospital.

"The demands on those who are also on the front line of COVID-19, like Joan Poh who is a nurse at Tan Tock Seng Hospital, have been tremendous," PM Lee wrote in his post.

"Nevertheless, our athletes have persevered in their training and are raring to go. Their focus, resilience and adaptability to changing circumstances are inspiring."

PM Lee also urged Singaporeans to cheer on the nation's athletes, saying, "Your support means a lot."

He highlighted in his Facebook post that there are many new faces in this year's contingent, with 21 athletes making their debuts at the Games.

"They will be competing across a range of events, including for the first time in diving, equestrian, marathon swimming and powerlifting," he wrote in his post.

"To our athletes, all the best for the upcoming Games! We are all rooting for you."

Singapore will be sending 23 athletes to the Tokyo Olympics, while its Paralympians will be featuring in six para-sports so far: archery, athletics, cycling, equestrian, powerlifting and swimming. Selection for the Tokyo Paralympics will continue until 30 July.

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