SINGAPORE, AUG 15, 2010 – SINGAPORE is abuzz with sporting action as the world’s first-ever Youth Olympic Games kicks off on Singaporean shores. And global sports giant Li-Ning is living out its new slogan – “Make the Change” – by donating $200,000 to the Singapore Disability Sports Council (SDSC)’s badminton programme to inspire and motivate the shuttlers to continue pursuing their sporting ambitions. The donation will take the form apparel, footwear, accessories and equipment.
At the presentation event today, Li-Ning also unveiled its new corporate logo, which is designed to represent a focus on people, who are the heart and soul of sports, and to encourage these individuals to seek out their dreams through sporting endeavours.
SDSC has nearly 200 athletes under their badminton programme, and they comprise of athletes with cerebral palsy, polio and intellectual disability. They have shown strong performance both at the local National Disability League and overseas competitions such as last year’s International Wheelchair & Amputee Sports Federation (IWAS) Games and ASEAN Para Games.
General Manager for South-east Asia, Li-Ning Group, Ms Vivien Lim hopes the donation will inspire the athletes to keep training hard and seeking glory on the international stage. “All athletes need support and encouragement as they push to achieve their dreams and ambitions. At Li-Ning, our company motto is ‘Make the Change’, and we believe in helping as many people as possible to achieve that, regardless of whether they are able-bodied, physically or intellectually challenged. The athletes at SDSC are an inspiration to all of us, and we sincerely hope that our support will help them continue to reach their sporting goals.”
To add to the excitement at the event, YOG Ambassador and Li-Ning athlete Yelena Isinbayeva was on hand and she was thrilled to have the opportunity to work with SDSC athletes. The multiple world and Olympic champion from Russia said: “It is one of the big passions of my life to work with the less privileged and disabled. It is fantastic to see what a comprehensive and focused programme they have here. It is comparable to some of the best systems in Europe and indeed the world. I am honoured to be able to spend time with the athletes here and hopefully inspire them to keep up the good work.”
SDSC’s advisor, Mr Michael Palmer, MP for Pasir Ris – Punggol GRC was also present for the occasion and was happy that all members of the local sporting fraternity were given a chance to experience the excitement of the YOG. “Our vision for a sporting Singapore requires all members of our fraternity to join in and share the passion and our drive. We can certainly achieve our dream of becoming a sporting powerhouse and it is great to see partners like Li-Ning coming forward to share some of the YOG excitement with our SDSC athletes, and also to provide tangible and generous support for the badminton programme.”
For more information, please contact:
Merliza Lim
MNC Promotions and Publicity Group
(representing Li-Ning Group)
+65 9735 1538
Noelle Yeo
Manager, Communications & International Relations
Singapore Disability Sports Council
+65 8328 3917
Chin Siew Hui
Executive, Corporate Communications
Singapore Disability Sports Council
+65 8328 3916
About Li-Ning
Established in 1990 by legendary Chinese gymnast Li Ning, LI-NING is an international sports brand from the People’s Republic of China (PRC).
Li Ning Company Limited, through its subsidiaries, engages in the brand development, design, manufacture, sale, and distribution of sport-related footwear, apparel, equipment, and accessories for sport and leisure uses. It offers outdoor sports, casual apparel, and footwear products; and table tennis, badminton, and other sports equipment. The company’s brand portfolio includes LI-NING, AIGLE, Z-DO, Kason, Double Happiness, and Lotto.
Since the company’s successful listing in Hong Kong in 2004, it has achieved steady growth. From a turnover of 1.88 billion yuan in 2004, Li Ning posted a 2.45 billion yuan turnover in 2005 and 3.18 billion yuan in 2006. In 2009, its turnover reached an impressive 8.39 billion yuan.
In 2009, Li-Ning established its first presence in Southeast Asia with its flagship store in Singapore, located at shopping destination ION Orchard. In Asia, Li-Ning has expanded its brand supremacy in regional markets such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, and India, achieving more than 300 channels distributing Li-Ning badminton products.
About Singapore Disability Sports Council (SDSC)
Singapore Disability Sports Council (SDSC) is the only organisation in Singapore that caters sports for persons across all kinds of disabilities. It aims to help people with disability lead full and independent lives through sports. Besides providing sporting opportunities for them to realise their potential, SDSC trains talents to represent Singapore and pursue excellence at regional and international competitions. Find out more at http://www.sdsc.org.sg
