SINGAPORE — Singapore is committed to supporting athletes in both mainstream and emerging sports, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Edwin Tong said. This commitment was highlighted following Singaporean teenager Maximilian Maeder’s recent bronze medal win in kitefoiling at the Paris Olympics.
Tong emphasized that the government’s goal is to back athletes regardless of their sport’s popularity. “Our role is to support Singaporeans who excel, whether they’re in mainstream or niche sports,” he told CNA’s Singapore Tonight on August 14.
Funding and Support
Tong acknowledged that while funding is limited, the focus is on maximizing potential. “We strive to make the best use of our resources to uncover talent,” he said. He highlighted the Sport Excellence Scholarship as an example of how the government supports athletes in less prominent sports.
Tong stressed the importance of having diverse athletes and clear pathways for high performance. “We aim to have as many Singaporeans as possible representing our country at top levels,” he added.
Discovering Max Maeder
Tong shared that he first learned about Maeder’s talent through a law school classmate who is Maeder’s aunt. “I was intrigued when she told me about her nephew’s kitefoiling skills,” Tong said. This led to a meeting with Maeder in 2021, which left a strong impression on him.
Tong mobilized support from both public and private sectors to help Maeder succeed. “The support Max has received from various quarters has been crucial to his achievements,” Tong said.
Team Singapore’s Performance
Tong praised Singaporean athletes for their performances at the Paris Games. He highlighted standout moments such as shuttler Yeo Jia Min’s narrow loss and swimmer Gan Ching Hwee’s national records. He also commended kayaker Stephenie Chen and shuttler Loh Kean Yew for their efforts.
“Sports can unite a nation, and we’ve seen how much Singaporeans appreciate our Olympians’ grit and determination,” Tong said. He noted that lessons from the Paris Games will inform future strategies, including greater use of sports science and improved sport administration.
Max Maeder’s Perspective
Maeder, now Singapore’s youngest Olympic medallist, said the bronze medal has been a significant experience. “The support I’ve received has been overwhelming, and I see it as an opportunity to share my journey with more people,” he said.
Despite being a back-to-back world champion and a gold favorite, Maeder viewed the bronze as a valuable lesson. “It’s a reminder to stick to what works and execute our plans effectively,” he noted.
Representing Singapore
Maeder, who started kitefoiling by chance, has grown to love the sport. His younger brother Karl, also a kitefoiler, competes for Switzerland. “I chose to represent Singapore because it feels like home, and I wanted to stay connected to my roots,” Maeder said.
Looking Forward
The Hull FC Sports College, part of the club’s Centre of Excellence, is preparing for the next academic year with a strong focus on supporting young athletes. The college continues to recruit for 2024/25, offering tailored education programs that balance academic and sporting ambitions.
