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Sports in Singapore has been popular since the colonial times when it filled the
idle hours of the colonial masters and also was a time when sports was a prerogative
of few. But as the economy, society and polity changed the earlier trend has changed
and now one finds active participation from the populace.
The traditional games like the like congkak, capteh, gasing and sepak are now
declining in their popularity. These games are also found in Malaysia, Thailand,
Indonesia and Philippines. One can also find that certain traditional games
are still played in the households.
With the independence the government now promotes sports in Singapore with
the view to create a robust society and also to foster a greater national unity.
Singapore Sports Council is in charge of the promotion of sports in Singapore.
The popular sports in Singapore include football, swimming, badminton, basketball
and table tennis. The residential areas also provide the facilities for sports
like swimming, basketball and other indoor games. On the other hand the water
sports in Singapore includes sailing, kayaking and water skiing. The important
diving sites in Singapore include Pulau Habtu that is popular for its reefs.
The most popular sport in Singapore is football and the S. League comprises
of 10 teams that compete with each other all through the year.
Further to conserve the sports heritage of Singapore, the Sports Museum contains
the Singapore sports history and is located at West Entrance of the National
Stadium. The museum stands to inform, educate and entertain the public of Singapore's
sporting heritage. The National Physical Fitness Award in 1982 requires a mandatory
participation from all the students within the primary and secondary education.
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