The Singaporean sports community was left floored when Mark Chay, the current president of Singapore Aquatics (SAQ), announced he will not be seeking re-election after his term ends this August.
The reason? Chay has been diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia, a type of cancer affecting white blood cells. This diagnosis has understandably shifted his priorities, leading to the aforementioned decision.
A former national swimmer that made his debut at the young age of 18 at the 2000 Sydney Games, Chay has represented Singapore in SEA, Asian, Commonwealth, and Olympic Games.
Over the years, he has earned many accolades such as Sportsboy and Sportsman of the Year in 2001 and 2002.
But his current battle with cancer, which was discovered during an annual check-up in March, might prove to be the toughest he’s ever faced. Upon receiving the news with his wife, he sought a second opinion, and specialists confirmed his condition.
Though he was initially uncertain and feared the worst, Chay remains optimistic. He noted that the oral chemotherapy treatment seems to be working, albeit with some fatigue, which did not affect him all too much.
The 42-year-old former national swimmer explained that his primary reason for stepping down from his position is to concentrate on organising the 2025 World Aquatics Championships alongside co-chairperson Alan Goh, the chief of Sport Singapore.
Managing a national sports association demands significant time, energy, and dedication, as Chay stated to the press. It is even more important now especially given the high expectations placed on Singapore Aquatics.
The second consideration is his own health and family, and of course, who could blame the guy?
Chay said that he wants to focus on recovery, stablising his condition and spending more time with his family, especially now that he has a three-year-old daughter.
Leadership Term and Succession
Chay was unanimously elected as SAQ president in June 2022, taking over the reins from his predecessor, Lee Kok Choy.
Under his leadership, Singapore’s swimmers performed exceptionally at the 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia, securing 22 gold medals and reclaiming the men’s water polo gold.
Chay also succeeded in expanding the base of Singaporeans participating in aquatic sports, with the number of affiliates growing from 112 to 137, and athlete participation in SAQ’s structured programmes and competitions increasing from 2,600 to 2,800.
He believes the upcoming World Aquatics Championships will further inspire future generations and boost participation in aquatic sports.
However, his term also was not all sunshine and rainbows, as there were some troubling incidents involving national swimmers and cannabis use, and a controversial Paris Olympic relay selection.
Through it all, Chay maintained that decisions were made based on sound policies and procedures, no matter how unpopular they were.
As his term nears its end, Chay has endorsed SAQ secretary-general Kenneth Goh to succeed him, citing his “right attitude, aptitude and experience”.
Goh, 46, a former national swimmer and an academic director at Singapore Management University, expressed his willingness to step up if the opportunity arises.
With his background in education and talent development, he believes that he can help to improve the ecosystem’s talent development.
He also expresses faith in his secretariat, stating that the two years of working together have made them familiar with each other’s working styles and abilities.
The SAQ annual general meeting must be held by 30 September, where the new president and nine other positions will be elected.
Prioritising Health and Family
With a truly admirable resume that includes stints as chairman of the Athletes’ Commission at the Singapore National Olympic Council, a member of the Olympic Council of Asia’s Athlete Committee, and a coach to Paralympic champion Yip Pin Xiu, it’s no wonder Chay was used to running on just four hours of sleep.
Despite stepping down from his role at SAQ, Chay will continue his work as Global Esports Federation executive director and find ways to volunteer and contribute to the sports community once his condition stabilises.
Chay acknowledged the many positive impacts and opportunities sports have had on his life and expressed a desire to create more opportunities for future generations, wishing to remain an active “player” rather than just “sitting on a bench”.
However, for now, he expresses his wish for more family time and more focus on getting better.
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