Singapore Democrats
Three opposition parties: PKMS, SPP and WP will join 10 other teams to compete in this year’s futsal tournament on Saturday organised by the SDP’s Young Democrats.$CUT$
The teams will compete for the SDP Challenge Trophy and $600 in cash prizes. The top three teams will also receive players’ medals. The tournament was started last year.
The six-a-side competition will be played at Kickersbay, 69 Balestier Road. Members of the public are welcome to attend.
Tournament coordinator, Mr Clarence Zeng, had been hard at work putting everything together. “There are many moving parts to such an event and everything has to come together on the event day,” Mr Zeng said. “But I’m looking forward to an afternoon of competition and fun.”
As for the participating parties, it would be a good opportunity to get to know each other away from the hustle and bustle of competitive politics. Building bridges is an important aspect of opposition politics in Singapore and the occasion will provide the competing parties to get to know one another while engaging in a game of football.
The Singapore Democrats also invited the PAP but have not received a reply from the party. It is important for the PAP to note that even as we compete for political power, we must remind ourselves that we are Singaporeans first and party members second.
The PAP must abandon its politics of old where the it treated its opponents like mortal enemies. Coming together for sports despite our political differences is a sign of political maturity.
While not all the parties are represented in this year’s event, the SDP hopes that all can participate in future tournaments. There are also plans to invite civil society organisations for next year’s competition.
Event: SDP Annual Futsal Competition 2012
Date: 27 Oct 2012 (Saturday)
Time: 2-7pm
Place: KickersBay @69 Balestier Road