Mark Chay, a celebrated former national swimmer and sports administrator, is set to become the new secretary-general of the Singapore National Olympic Council (SNOC) on 1 April 2024. This announcement follows the retirement of long-serving secretary-general Chris Chan, who has dedicated over two decades to uplifting Singapore’s sporting profile.
A Legacy of Leadership
Chay, a two-time Olympian, expressed gratitude towards Chan for his extensive contributions. “It is an honour to be appointed secretary-general of SNOC, and I am deeply grateful to Mr Chris Chan for his remarkable leadership and dedication to Singapore’s sporting fraternity,” Chay stated. “His contributions have laid a strong foundation for the Olympic movement in Singapore and I am committed to building on his legacy.”
Chay’s Sport Experience
- Represented Singapore at the Olympic Games in 2000 (Sydney) and 2004 (Athens).
- Served as the president of Singapore Aquatics.
- Engaged in sports governance as chair of the SNOC Athletes’ Commission.
- Coached seven-time Paralympic gold medallist Yip Pin Xiu from 2019 to 2022.
His broad experience equips him to understand the challenges athletes face and to inspire the next generation.
Vision for Singapore Sports
On assuming his new role, Chay plans to focus on several key areas:
- Supporting Team Singapore in their pursuit of excellence.
- Fostering a sporting community centred on friendship and respect.
- Inspiring youth to dream big.
- Building a strong pipeline of local sports administrators to enhance Singapore’s international presence.
Chay aims to celebrate the unifying power of sports, stating, “By working closely with the sporting community, I look forward to advancing these efforts and further inspiring our athletes.”
Civic Recognition
Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, Edwin Tong, voiced strong support for Chay’s appointment, asserting that he is an excellent fit for the role. “Mark has formidable experience in sports at the highest levels…” remarked Tong. Minister Grace Fu, who also serves as SNOC president, praised Chay’s commitment and potential to drive the Olympic movement forward.
Despite facing personal health challenges, including a diagnosis of chronic myeloid leukaemia last year, Chay has remained steadfast in his commitment to Singapore sports. His dedication to ensuring that projects like the World Aquatics Championships, scheduled in July 2024, proceed without disruption speaks volumes about his character and resilience.