Sneak Preview of the official SIMPA website

What's an NSA without an official website? SIMPA isn't gonna lose out on this!

Here's a sneak preview: www.singaporepentathlon.org.sg

Watch out for the official launch... akan datang!

Youth Olympic Games Selection Policy for SIMPA

The Selection Policy attached within spells out the criteria and the process leading to the selection of our Singapore representatives for the upcoming Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in August 2010. This selection policy applies to the Modern Pentathlon squad only.

SIMPA Exco member receives national award

Our man in charge of all volunteers and logistics for SIMPA, Derrick Loh, was recently awarded the Public Service Medal for rendering commendable public service in Singapore.

Derrick was accorded the national award after being nominated by the People's Association for his unselfish and hardworking efforts with the grassroots.

SIMPA is very happy to have a man of integrity and responsibility in our committee. On behalf of everyone in SIMPA, let me congratulate Derrick on his achievements!

So you wanna be a volunteer?

We've been getting quite a lot of enquiries about volunteering with SIMPA. Most of the questions were mainly on how volunteers may help at the YOG.

First of all, let me take the opportunity to thank the many people who have stepped up to volunteer with us. Are we looking for more volunteers? Of course we are!

Let's take a look at your questions:

Q1. How can I help as a volunteer?

A1. You may help us as Technical Officials (NTO), Sports Specialists Volunteers (SSV), or general volunteers. Each classification of volunteers requires a different set of responsibilities and a different set of training.

Q2. Can I only help out at the YOG?

A2. You are welcome to join us as a volunteer for the YOG and in any of our upcoming events. The YOG is not a means to an end. Volunteering with us or in any NSA allows you to expand your volunteering horizons. If you choose to be a Technical Official, you might even have a chance to be a world-class referee. The YOG is only a stepping stone to more official volunteering opportunities.

Q3. I want to know more about my roles as a volunteer.

A3. We are always looking for volunteers. As you may see from the above Q&A, there are plenty of opportunities for you. It is difficult to explain everything here. I suggest that you contact us at singaporepentathlon@gmail.com to tell us what you think your commitment levels are, or let us know if you are interested to be an NTO (eg. technical referees), SSV (eg. timekeepers), or general volunteer (eg. ushers).

Q4. If I had signed up on the SYOGOC website and indicated that I want to be a volunteer, do I still have to register with SIMPA is I'm interested in volunteering for the modern pentathlon event?

A4. Well, it never hurts to email us directly to let us know of your interests! SYOGOC may have thousands of volunteers who go to them and they may be overwhelmed with many specific requests. We will take your inquiries if you are interested in helping SIMPA. Don't be shy to ask us!

Q5. I heard about the recent NTO Training Course that was conducted in late October. I missed it, but I would still like to volunteer as an NTO. Can I still volunteer as one?

A5. OF COURSE! Please send your email to us at singaporepentathlon@gmail.com and we will give you more details of how you can start volunteering for us!

More News from the 2009 UIPM Congress

Here's the gist of the key decisions made during the recently held congress in Copenhagen. President of SIMPA, Nicholas Fang and Assistant Secretary General, Anthony Tsang represented SIMPA at the Congress. Full news report may be found here.

• Laser pistols will be introduced in 2010, making their first test and transition appearances at international competitions such as the 2010 World Cup Finals and the inaugural 2010 Youth Olympic Games. The UIPM will make a decision in January 2011 whether or not to officially adopt laser pistols;
• Rule change not to allow full body suits for swimming competition;
• Singapore's membership with the UIPM; and
• Burundi's progress report

Hi Five to SIMPA's official recognition!

Jianghan with a Victory sign for SIMPA
On 10 October the UIPM, which is the international body for modern pentathlon, officially accepted Singapore as a federation member at the 2009 UIPM Congress held in Copenhagen. This is a significant step for Singapore and SIMPA as we gear towards the inaugural Youth Olympics in August 2010. Hopefully this, coupled with the appointment of Singapore's Ng Ser Miang as one of the 4 new IOC Vice Presidents, will help boost the sport in Singapore in terms of participation, high performance, funding/sponsorship and recognition.

The Pent Teens begin range practice

On Sunday 4 October 2009, our Pent Teen squad met at the SAFRA Yishun Indoor Weapons Range for their first go at firing the air pistols. The team met Coach Gai who gave them a pep talk and to introduce them to the basics of weapon handling and the nature of the 10m air pistol event.
The Pent Teens took to the weapons quickly, with some of them managing a decent grouping while some trying to find their proper coordination techniques.