Support in Sports

Music could be heard loudly playing from the new Singapore OCBC Swimming Arena, where the Swim Starts competition was taking place, last Friday night. Everyone was exhilarated as the UWC East swim team took their seats in a group on the east side. The audience buzzed with anticipation, eager for the action to start.

World champions, Olympians, World Record holders - they were all lined up, ready for their races. Kicked off with the men’s 100 freestyle event, the night was off to an exciting start. With the promising amount of $10,000 cash prize for 1st place, maximum effort was put into their performances, keeping the crowd cheering on their feet. Whoops and shouts were heard from the audience, the cameras occasionally flicking over to film groups, playing it on the large screens.

A group of swimmers from UWC East crowded the empty platform about the swimmers’ exit. Waving their hands and leaning over the railing, they were able to get high-5s and autographs. Completely in awe by the sport celebrities in front of them, they cheered and shouted, unable to properly process their surroundings.

The night came to an end as all the participating swimmers slowly walked around the pool, back to their exits, waving and smiling at the crowds of screaming fans. With the music and cheers fading, the night neared it’s end.

As the audience dispersed and left the arena sticky and sweaty, like most of the other viewers who also got autographs and handshakes, this reporter was unable to stop smiling or squealing for the rest of the night.

However, as great as the night had seemed to all the aspiring swimmers, some of the spectators were not impressed. According to a parent of one of the UWC swimmers, the event was way overpriced and a waste of effort for themselves. Because of the lack of time - the event only lasted one night - there were not as many races as was expected, leaving a few viewers unsatisfied.

Some parents and friends are not as supportive, their attitudes can either rub off on their children, or make them even more determined to defy them. With lack of support, swimmers may find it harder improve, but some swimmers are able to motivate themselves off anger and bitterness, to prove a point to their parents and friends.

Sportsmen can burn out after a few grueling years, or continue and advance to becoming world famous. Support is an important part of any sport, and without it, swimmers are likely to quit after the pressure becomes too much. Families and friends should support any sports that their children do, and cheer them on, because without support, no one would be able to succeed in life.


Written by Kelly