With the World Aquatics Championships set to begin in Singapore, a new national swimming framework was unveiled by Singapore Aquatics (SAQ) with OCBC as the presenting sponsor. The initiative, named "SwimSingapore presented by OCBC," is backed by a S$1 million commitment from OCBC, which will cover operational costs over the next five years.
The framework aims to engage 500,000 participants across various segments within five years, focusing on building water confidence and promoting water safety among Singaporeans. It builds upon Sport Singapore's SwimSafer program introduced in 2010 and introduces new segments like SwimStart, SwimFun, SwimFurther, and SwimBetter.
"SwimSingapore presented by OCBC is a strategic investment in Singapore’s future," said Professor Kenneth Goh, President of Singapore Aquatics. He emphasized its role in enhancing national swimming proficiency and public safety while creating pathways for aspiring athletes.
Ms Helen Wong, Group CEO of OCBC, expressed that the sponsorship aligns with their long-standing support for aquatic sports through the OCBC Aquatic Centre at the Singapore Sports Hub. She highlighted swimming as an essential life skill that promotes safety and community engagement.
Mr Toh Boon Yi from Sport Singapore noted that this initiative represents progress in developing an integrated national framework for aquatic skills. He mentioned that it aligns participation and performance pathways from foundational levels to competitive excellence.
The launch coincides with a landmark year for aquatics in Singapore as the nation hosts major events like the World Aquatics Championships and World Para Swimming Championships. These events underscore Singapore's growing presence on the global aquatics stage.
The new framework also includes centralised assessments conducted at multiple locations to ensure consistency in evaluating swimming competencies. For more information about registration and development pathways in aquatic sports, interested parties can visit SAQ's official website.