Celebrate the lead up to National Day with some exciting competitive sports action! Take part as an individual, find old teammates or gather new ones and compete in over 30 sports, including para sports in the Pesta Sukan 2026!
I recently got to know a set of parents who are incredibly supportive of their child’s sailing journey, so much so that they make sure one parent is always present at the National Sailing Centre (NSC) while the other handles other responsibilities.
While on duty at the Laser course pin end during the Pesta Sukan sailing regatta, I was pleasantly surprised to spot the father out on the water, competing himself! Being fairly new to sailing, it was clear he didn’t have much experience yet. The odds were certainly stacked against him, especially with challenging conditions and winds gusting up to 7 knots. Yet, he gamely pushed through—completing 4 races on Day 1 and another race on Day 2.
He survived the ordeal and went home with a well-deserved Pesta Sukan medal in the Novice category.
Of course, his young sailor boy teased him a little for picking up a few “alphabets” (DNS/DNF letters on the scoresheet) along the way. But beneath the jokes, I know that boy was immensely proud of his father for enduring the struggle and refusing to give up. This time, it was the child encouraging the parent to keep going.
To me, this embodies the true sporting spirit of Pesta Sukan 2026—a family that embraces sports and grows together.
Uncle Raymond is truly proud to call this close-knit family my friends.
Signing off with joy,
Raymond Seah
