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SINGAPORE SWIMMING ASSOCIATION IS REBRANDED AS SINGAPORE AQUATICS

General
April 1, 2023

New Singapore Aquatics branding aims to reflect a multidiscipline sport

The Singapore Swimming Association (SSA) will be renamed Singapore Aquatics (SAQ) from 1 July 2023, to better reflect the multidisciplinary nature of Singapore’s most successful sport.

In announcing the name change and unveiling of a new logo at the 2023 SSA Awards and Appreciation Night at the Raffles City Convention Centre on 31 March, SSA president Mark Chay said that the new name reflects the true ethos of the sport. “We are the only sport, which literally is many sports in one. In Singapore, while we may be called the Singapore Swimming Association, we are also about diving, water polo, artistic swimming and open water swimming. We are 5 sports, united by water, by one flag and by one community for one mission: to make Singapore a world-class aquatics nation”, expressed Mark.

Unveiled by Minister for Culture, Community and Youth and Second Minister for Law Edwin Tong, Chief Executive Officer (Designate) Sport Singapore Alan Goh and Mark Chay, the logo is inspired by the image of an athlete swimming.

The ‘Q’ in ‘Aquatics’ is stylised to resemble an athlete cutting through water, with the circular arc of the ‘Q’ resembling a swimming cap, and its tail extending into a wave that sweeps across the logo. The overall design symbolises the passion of those who are driving Singapore forward on the world aquatics stage.

For the first time at an SSA ceremony, para swimmers from the Singapore Disability Sports Council were also honoured for their involvement in major competition – as a gesture to recognise fellow members of Singapore’s aquatic family.

Mark, a former national swimmer and current Nominated Member of Parliament, added that the name change will also help raise the profile of the less popular aquatic sports. “Swimming and water polo have enjoyed a rich tradition in Singapore sport. And while they still enjoy great success and a healthy following, the other aquatic disciplines like diving, aquatic swimming and open water swimming are growing and beginning to show results on the world stage,” commented Mark at the event which was attended by more than 700 guests.

Last year, diver 15 year old Max Lee became the first Singaporean to finish in the top 4 of the World Junior Diving Championships. And in aquatic swimming, Debbie Soh and Miya Yong finished among the top Asian countries at last year’s World Championships. Said Max, “As a diver, I am excited that we are now Singapore Aquatics. Even though it’s only a name change, just being recognised as one big family, will further strengthen the bonds between the various aquatics sports.”

During the evening’s festivities at the Raffles City Convention Centre, more than $370,000 was raised for the sport through sponsorship and donations. Among the sponsors were Amino Vital, OCBC Bank, 100Plus, Yakult, Evacuation and Medical Support Unit Pte Ltd and TYR. The money raised will go towards supporting the sport’s high performance programmes such as Pathway Development for Team Singapore athletes and providing opportunities for elite athletes to compete on the world’s biggest stages, like the World Championships. The funds raised will also be eligible for the One Team Singapore Fund, which matches all the donations, dollar for dollar.

Said Mark, “We are grateful for the strong support of our sponsors and partners. They are the unsung heroes who help provide the platform for our athletes to go out there and do Singapore proud.”