Spectators watching and cheering the team on at Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade.

What a game

The biennial Asian Canoe Polo Championships (ACPC) is the largest canoe polo competition in Asia.  Singapore became host to this event for the first time since the last one held in Deqing, China, in 2019. This was also the first time the event was held after it was delayed due to the pandemic. 

Organised by the Singapore Canoe Federation (SCF), the event attracted canoe polo enthusiasts and athletes from all over the region.  This year’s event was held at Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade and involved 23 teams from Hong Kong, Iran, Japan, Malaysia, Chinese Taipei, Thailand and of course Singapore.

Working against the elements while trying to score a goal.

Hard work and determination

Handling these numbers doesn’t faze the Singapore Canoe Federation.  The Federation was established in 1971 with the purpose of promoting the sport of canoeing, developing talent and attracting participants of varying skill levels.  It is also the national sports association governing canoeing in Singapore.

Since its establishment, its accomplishments include Singapore’s first kayaker in the 2012 Olympics, winning 7 gold medals and 5 silver medals in the 2015 SEA Games, the senior women’s Canoe Polo team winning gold at the 17th Asian Canoe Polo Championships, and winning a women's K1 500m silver at the recent 19th Asian Games.  Having these impressive track records, the Federation was proud to be able to host the recent ACPC in Singapore and showing overseas participants what Singapore has to offer.  

Stamina, concentration and precision as our athletes do their best to win the game.

This event served as the qualifying event for Asian canoe polo teams to participate in the Canoe Polo World Championships which is scheduled to take place in Deqing, China in 2024.  Anticipating a large number of participants, about 250 athletes, planning for the ACPC started as early as November 2022.  Ms Denise Yuen, a representative from SCF, revealed that one of the challenges was getting accommodations for all of the international participants in one location so that it was easier to check in and check out, as well as organising for them to go for their practices.

Home away from home

So how do you fit a small village of athletes in one location, where it had to be accessible to amenities, local culture, be scenic as well as of a standard up to par of hotels where international guests get great impressions of Singapore, without bursting the budget? 

All smiles for the participants on their rest days.

CSC @ Changi Chalets provided the organisers with the perfect solution.  Not only are there different types of chalets to accommodate different needs and requirements, the amenities inside are also complete and comes with living area, kitchenette, free wifi and Mio TV access – perfect for a comfortable stay away from home. Some are also handicap accessible.

“They have sufficient capacity for all participants and excellent facilities,” said Denise.  She said that the stay was good, with many food outlets nearby.  The Japan team was even spotted visiting Changi Village Hawker Centre a few times trying out local food fare.  

Chilling and chatting at their resting accommodations - Changi Chalet.

“Some of them were also stocking up on groceries since there’s a fridge and kitchen in the chalets,” Denise said, adding that it was nice to see the overseas athletes explore the surroundings and have some downtime apart from the competition. She added that the participants were very pleased with the amenities offered in the chalet like hot water, microwave and how spacious the living rooms are. 

Great stay, great service

While the location might seem far from the actual event ground at Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade, they were able to get from one point to another with timely planned coach buses.  Denise also remarked that the CSC staff provided strong support in all aspects and that the comfortable and good rest at the chalet helped the athletes perform their best in the competition.  It is definitely an accommodation location that they will consider again in future.

Top scorers for their inidividual categories.

The climatic finals on 12 November delivered a series of intense and closely contested games played in the blistering heat, watched by over a thousand cheering spectators.  Denise shared that excellent teamwork really makes the dream work, and it shows.

The winning teams flying their flags and medals.

Game on!

True to its athletic nature, the SCF is not resting on its laurels.  Their next event is in January 2024 and it would be the Singapore Canoe Marathon. It is by far the largest local canoe marathon event with 800 participants and plenty of spectators.

A hoorah for Team Singapore!

Having seen how experienced and well-coordinated the team handles the organising of such events, we wish them all the best and cheer them on for the marathon.

Pictures courtesy of Singapore Canoe Federation, AC Leong, Jia Xing, Loh Chiueh Eyen, Thomas Loh Yu Ze and Tomy Ng.

We are always on the look out to feature CSC members who have a story to tell or an interesting and unusual hobby or experience to share.  If you think you have them, please contact marcomms@csc.sg

Singapore Canoe Federation’s next event, the Singapore Canoe Marathon, will be taking place from 20 – 21 Jan 2024.  More information HERE 

You can also follow Singapore Canoe Federation on their Facebook page HERE 

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