SINGAPORE : Thrill seekers in Singapore may have more avenues to leap, dive or climb in the future.
Community, Youth and Sports Acting Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan says the government plans to take a more open approach towards extreme sports.
He revealed this at the launch of a mountaineering sub-club in National University of Singapore this morning.
The sky's the limit where extreme sports is concerned. And its practitioners in Singapore could be in for a treat as the government takes a renewed look at the possible benefits from risk management, which is part and parcel of any extreme sport.
Launching the NUS "Make It Real" mountaineering sub-club, Dr Vivian said there are plans to explore greater use of water bodies, the sky and land for more adventurous activities.
"What I am signalling now is a receptiveness to new ideas, new proposals for sports, even extreme sports which build up positive attitudes to risk taking in young Singaporeans, build up team spirit and ultimately, national spirit." said Dr Vivian.
And it should not be a blind pursuit of risk for its own sake, but one that involves planning and preparations.
Mountaineering is one such example, as the 7 members of the latest Make It Real team spent 6 months training for their upcoming expedition.
The 10 day training in New Zealand last year equipped the mountaineers with the necessary skills to tackle the Island Peak in Nepal in May, and the students are also very excited about the government's plans to promote extreme sports.
The Expedition Leader for the Make It Real 4 Programme, Weng Jin Quan, said, "I feel that the government is making a very right move, encouraging youth to be more daring and more bold, to step out of what they have been doing and reaching for the best."
And that's exactly what they hope to do by conquering the 6,000 metre high Island Peak before visiting the NUS Centennial Everest Team at the Everest Base Camp. - CNA
