Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, December 6, 2022: The Secretary General of the Singapore National Olympic Council, Chris Chan, believes that athlete selection for a major sports event is more than just about ability and results.
In comments to the Olympic Council of Asia/Olympic Solidarity Regional Forum in Riyadh on Tuesday, Chris said that athletes should also be good ambassadors for the country and be a positive role model for the youth.
“I think we generally look at the athletes meeting the marks for the games, but we often overlook the other aspect which is how the athlete is as a role model to the rest of the youth,” he said.
“So, in the selection of any athletes for any games – and it’s covered in the Olympic Charter, not just Olympic Games for regional games, too – this is one aspect we have to address because, ultimately, we are sending the wrong signals. Are we sending an athlete just to win medals but the athlete is a very bad example to the other youth?
“I think it is very important that as an athlete representing the National Olympic Committee of the country because the youth look up to them and they have an obligation not just as role models but also not to bring disrepute to the flag, to the NOC.”
The Singapore NOC delegate was contributing to the agenda item on athletes and team officials’ agreements.
