Singapore’s OCBC Arena and OCBC Aquatic Centre have been closed to the public from today to allow Team Singapore's athletes to train ahead of the Olympic, Paralympic and SEA Games.
The Singapore Sports Hub said in an advisory yesterday that this will allow athletes to prepare for the Games in their ‘bubbles’ with no cross-exposure to the public during Phase 2: Heightened Alert, introduced after a surge in COVID-19 cases.
Athletes from sports including badminton, basketball, boccia, netball, table tennis, volleyball, fencing, rhythmic gymnastics, silat, swimming and diving will benefit from the exclusive use which will apply till further notice.
With the Singapore Government reapplying tight COVID-19 measures in the wake of a recent rise in Coronavirus cases, locations including gyms and fitness centres have been closed and mass participation events suspended since Saturday 8th May in order to reduce the risk of community transmission.
No spectators are allowed at sports events during this period.
While the closures will apply until 30th May, Sport Singapore (SportSG) has advised that low-intensity physical activities such as yoga, barre, Pilates and tai chi are allowed in certain indoor gym and studios location.
Activities such as martial arts and combat sports are also allowed, provided the activities are modified according to the tightened safety measures.
The measures have seen the OCBC Cycle Speedway Championships, scheduled for 29thMay, postponed until further notice.
The National School Games, which kicked off in March, have also been suspended "to minimise intermingling of students across schools/institutions", according to Singapore’s Ministry of Education.
Image: Swimmers at the OCBC Aquatic Centre.
About the author
Nigel Benton
Co-founder/Publisher, Australasian Leisure Management
Born in the English county of Dorset, Nigel Benton is the co-founder and Publisher of Australasian Leisure Management, Australia, New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific’s only magazine for professionals in all areas of the leisure industry and the www.ausleisure.com.au website - the go to news resource for industry leaders and professionals.
With a long-term commitment to communicating all that is best about the leisure industry (aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues) his career has been defined by an ability to develop and implement industry communications.
Starting his career working in heritage visitor attractions and then adventure travel in Africa and the Middle East, an interest in writing about his experiences led to his change of career into magazine journalism and publishing.
In addition to publishing, Nigel speaks on marketing communications at a range of industry events.
He was made a Life Member of the World Leisure and Recreation Association in 2006 and is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (London).
In 2020, he launched the new Asian Leisure Business website.
As of October 2024, he was inducted into the Australian Fitness Awards Roll of Honour at the 2024 AUSactive National Awards.
Among a range of published works and features, his comments on a Blog (blogspot) from 2007 to 2011, when this website went live in its current form, may be interesting to reflect back on.
His philosophy on life is to be kind to all and to indulge those that you love.
His passions include family, Newcastle United and motorcycles (especially British ones) as well as caring for Stella the pug.
Click here to connect with him via LinkedIn.
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