2010 - The Year in Review

Alright, so everyone's asking where we all went in 2010?

Certainly not on cyberspace coz SIMPA was all out for the inaugural Youth Olympics Games, and running all over Singapore to primary schools and community centers to introduce the sport of Modern Pentathlon to all of you.

Say 'hi!' if you were one of the 5000 kids who learned something about the exciting sport that allows you to fence, shoot, run, swim and ride a horse!

We also represented Singapore in international games in Britain and Sweden. Our national pentathletes comprising of Valerie Lim, Jianghan and Lianhan fought their way through inclement European spring weather to finish their youth events.

Valerie Lim represented Team Singapore at the YOG. She blazed the trail and finished 17th out of 24 female pentathletes. In the Mixed Event, Valerie paired up with her Ukrainian male counterpart to finish 7th out of 24 pairs!

SIMPA also trained and mobilized more than 50 National Technical Officials (NTOs) and thanks to them and Karen Myers, the YOG was a success!

So that was the gist of the hectic 2010. What's next for us for 2011 and beyond?

Here's a sneak peek of what's next... and YOU could be a part of it!

1. National Trials

2. Some international competitions for our national squad

3. More training for our national squad

4. We'll go to more schools (say Hi to us if you read our blog and we'll give you a surprise!)

5. Biathle races (First race in March 2011)

6. And many more!

Stay tuned....... and Happy New Year from the SIMPA team!

SIMPA Exco members complete Ironman Western Australia!

SIMPA Coach Harn Wei and Treasurer Kenneth Lim completed the Ironman Western Australia in Busselton over the weekend.
Some may say it's just a walk in the park for deca-ironman finisher Harn Wei, but he still maintains that it's still mind over matter for him to complete the Ironman distance of 3.8km swim, 180km cycle, and 42km run.
For first-timer Kenneth who managed to complete the gruelling distance in slightly over 16 hours, his thoughts were.... well.... exhilarating. :)
So who says our exco members just sit around and do nothing?

SIMPA shooting coach strikes Gold in SEA Games

Coach Gai Bin, also part of the national shooting team, fires his way to top honours in the Men's 10m Air Pistol Team event. Well done Coach Gai!

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!