$42,000 was raised in Singapore for rower Joan Po ahead of the World Championships
The sports community and business sector in Singapore have raised 54,000 Singapore dollars—or about 42,000 U.S. dollars—to support Olympic rower Joan Po ahead of the World Rowing Championships in Amsterdam. The tournament will take place from August 24 to 30, according to Channel NewsAsia.
Part of the funds will go toward covering Po and her coach’s living expenses in the Netherlands. The funds have also already been used for training camps, qualifying competitions, and preparing the broader national rowing team for the World Championships and other international events.
The Singapore women’s chukball team donated its entire prize of 4,000 Singapore dollars, received at the Singapore Sports Awards, to the rowers. Team captain Tan Wang Ying stated that the players decided to support their colleagues, even though their own team also faces difficulties funding trips to competitions.
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The local restaurant chain Mr. Bean provided 20,000 Singapore dollars—in the form of cash assistance and meal vouchers—for Po and her teammates. An additional 30,000 Singapore dollars came from 15,000 in individual donations and an equivalent contribution from the One Team Singapore Fund.
Po, 35, is aiming to secure a spot in the top eight at the World Championships. Singapore’s best result at this tournament to date is 17th place, achieved in 2013. According to her, the funds raised are important not only for this one competition but also for the development of rowing and preparation for the 2029 Southeast Asian Games.
Athletes and sports analysts interviewed by CNA noted that athletes from small national sports associations often lack the funds for training facilities, equipment, physical therapy, and travel. An additional challenge is the need to balance sports with school, work, and family responsibilities. Po also said that rowers need extended training camps abroad in cooler climates, and due to a lack of funds, some athletes were excluded from certain competitions and training camps.
