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Singapore ambassadors excited about the 2009 FORMULA 1 SINGTEL SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX
The Singapore Sports Council (SSC) is playing a pole position in fielding executives for key roles such as Clerk of the Course, Secretary of the Meeting, Chief Medical Officer and National Steward.
Gabriel Tan, Manager, Motorsports Industry Development Department, Singapore Sports Council will be Clerk of the Course; Michael Gray is Secretary of the Meeting; Dr Kelvin Chew, the Chief Medical Officer and Harold Netto, the National Steward.
These appointments, previously held by officials from the Confederation of Australia Motor Sport (CAMS) during last year’s inaugural race, are endorsed and accredited by the Singapore Motor Sports Association and approved by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA).
In preparations for their roles, the officials have been working closely with their counterparts in CAMS and have also undergone training at the various FORMULA ONE races held earlier this year, including 2009 FORMULA 1 ING Australian Grand Prix and 2009 FORMULA 1 Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix.
“Singapore’s motor sports industry is still in its nascent stage. With the upcoming Changi Motorsports Hub, there is a need to develop capabilities of motor sports technical officials so as to support the growing industry in the future,” said Mr Oon Jin Teik, Chief Executive Officer, SSC.
He added the appointment of local officials for pivotal roles reinforces that Singapore does have the skills and world-class talent to meet the demand of international motor sports events.
Singaporeans in the thick of the action
In addition to the key positions held by Singaporeans, Track and Recovery Specialists, and Section Marshals positions will be taken up by ordinary Singaporeans who are craving a bit more excitement.
The SSC has been conducting training, in both practical and theory sessions. The most recent “Recovery Training” session, which took place on the 29 and 30 August 2009, comprised four half-day sessions with 50 volunteers per session. Volunteers were trained to sling up an open-wheeler and balance the car during recovery, working hand-in-hand with the Manitou & Flatbed Operators, and each team was asked to practise their recovery methods to ensure safety and speed.
At the same time, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has been busy recruiting ambassadors from tertiary institutions in Singapore. Tapping on contacts built from last year, the STB said it saw better response this year. Due to the success of the 2008 volunteer programme, the STB has increased the number of ambassadors from 80 to about 200-250 this year.
“Many more volunteers joined this year because they heard great stories from their friends who had been a part of the FORMULA ONE experience in the previous year,” shared Ms Neeta Lachmandas, Executive Director, Capability Development, STB.
Similar to last year, the Ambassadors will be deployed to locations like the airport, City Hall and Merlion Park to help create awareness and buzz among locals and visitors about the race and Singapore GP Season events.
“What participants will get out of this is a chance to be part of the excitement during the FORMULA ONE night race and Singapore GP Season. Through their interaction, participants will be able to extend the warmth and charm of our beautiful city to our visitors,” said Ms Lachmandas.
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