Sinapore to help cable wakeboard get into 2020 Olympics
Below is an article from Channel Asia News, featuring CWWC Member Paul Fong:
| SINGAPORE: Cable wakeboard is one of the sports being considered by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for the 2020 Olympics. A task force has been set up by the International Waterski and Wakeboard Federation, (IWWF), to drive the programme, and Singapore has shown a keen interest to contribute to this effort. Singapore Waterski & Wakeboard Federation's general manager, Paul Fong, said: "We might be asked to put on an event here for IOC members to check it out. We are organising the Mettle Games at the end of the year and that could be an event to show them that it is exciting, can be run well, spontaneous, attracts a good crowd and the athletes are fun to watch." The Mettle Games, which started in 2010, showcase a host of extreme sports including cable wakeboarding and it is set to return this December. Cable wakeboarding, which can train more people at any one go compared to the boat version, also has other advantages. Gerald Foo, who is a cable wakeboarder, said: "I tend to learn faster on cable. The tension is slightly more consistent compared to boat. It's not as strong and the crashes hurt less so I tend to learn a lot more on cable than boat." And already some youngsters who follow the sport are hoping they can represent Singapore at the Olympics. Another cable wakeboarder, Caley Yew, said: "With eight years to go, there is actually a lot of time for us to train and build up our trick list. So this eight years if we actually focus, we won't be in any disadvantage." Currently, Singapore's only cable ski park is located in East Coast Park but more cable wakeboard facilities could be built if the sport becomes an Olympic mainstay. Mr Fong said more international athletes could also head here to train, especially during the winter months. - CNA/fa |
Source: Channel News Asia
-= The official website of the IWWF Cable Wakeboard World Council =-