Minister Yaacob Ibrahim kicks off “racial harmony” football tournament

What a way to kick off Year 2004! More than 200 players and supporters from various ethnic groups in Singapore were involved in a multi-racial football tournament at Kolam Ayer CC on 4 January 2004. Organised by Young Sikh Association (Singapore), the tournament witnessed the participation of 30 teams, including those from CDAC, SINDA, MENDAKI, the EA and the expatriate community in Singapore – making YSA’s first sports event a truly multi-racial and multi-ethnic event.

Assoc Prof Yaacob Ibrahim, Minister for Community Development and Sports, kicked off the tournament in the morning by participating in an exhibition match involving players from various ethnic groups. Following a day of intense competition, a team named “Milan Z” emerged champion while “Jaywalkers” took second place.

The event provided the platform for youths of different ethnic groups to come together to socialise, interact and network for greater rapport and camaraderie, whilst promoting a healthy and sporting lifestyle among Singaporeans. It was also aimed at creating a platform for the Sikh participants and those of other communities to know and understand each other better, for, as it has been said, understanding is the basis of any durable friendship.

The event was supported by the National Youth Council with a grant through its Youth Development Fund, Singapore Sports Council and Kolam Ayer CSC and IRCC, while Singapore Pools was the “Partner in Sports” for this tournament.