David Beckham was at Marina Bay Sands Singapore, the Official Games Village of the 8th ASEAN Para Games to attend the football five-a-side match between Team Singapore and Team Thailand at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre.
The football legend visited “Nila Suite” – an area at the Games Village where athletes can rest and enjoy recreational activities and delighted hundreds of athletes. Beckham also participated in an origami lesson, placing a folded paper heart on a wall art installation in the suite.
Beckham said: “It is inspiring to see athletes pursue their passion with such great desire. There is no bigger honour than having the opportunity to represent your country. The sporting spirit is very much alive at the Games Village and I am privileged to have the chance to meet these incredible people.”
Mr Lim Teck Yin, Chairman of SAPGOC Exco said, “The 8th ASEAN Para Games is more than just about competing. It is about connecting individuals, communities and countries to our dreams. It is about celebrating the extraordinary and inspiring people around us. David Beckham’s presence today has been uplifting and certainly rewarding to the athletes and fans at the Games.”
Marina Bay Sands lent its support in more ways than one – over 170 Team Members volunteered as caretakers and ushers during the Games, as part of the property’s Sands for Singapore CSR programme.
Mr. George Tanasijevich, President and Chief Executive Officer of Marina Bay Sands, said: “Marina Bay Sands is privileged to contribute towards this historic event. Whether it’s through our event hosting capabilities, volunteer outreach programme or inspirational visits by celebrities like David Beckham, we aim to deepen our engagement with the local community and bring the magical touch to events held at Marina Bay Sands.”
Marina Bay Sands as the Official Games Village, has welcomed more than 2,500 athletes and officials, housing them in 1,300 hotel rooms. For the first time, an entire level of hotel rooms in Tower 3 was converted into 24/7 medical suites. The Sands Expo and Convention Centre houses competition venues for Goalball, Football five-aside, Powerlifting, as well as a Transport Hub and a Dining Hall. Over 14,000 meals were prepared for the athletes and organisers throughout the whole period.