STTA's decision not to renew team manager's contract made before Olympics
By Dominique Loh, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 24 August 2008 1705 hrs
BEIJING: The controversial decision by the Singapore Table Tennis Association (STTA) not to extend its team manager's tenure hangs over the paddlers' triumphant return to Singapore from the Beijing Olympics.
The controversy started when the coach of table tennis player Gao Ning was absent from his match during the Olympic Games. STTA's president, Lee Bee Wah, had expressed unhappiness over the absence and said action would be taken after the Olympic Games.
The team later explained that Gao Ning's coach fell ill at the last minute. Another coach overseeing Singapore player Yangzi's match was asked to look after Gao Ning, but Yangzi's match started late and overlapped Gao Ning's match entirely.
When contacted, Chef de Mission Tan Eng Liang said he was satisfied with the team's explanation and had considered the matter closed.
Singapore's table tennis team manager, Antony Lee, declined to be interviewed on camera, saying he was busy preparing for Sunday night's Olympic closing ceremony. Ms Lee also declined a camera interview, saying whatever else she had to say could complicate matters.
But both did speak to the Channel NewsAsia's news team over the phone. Mr Lee said he was not informed by the STTA president about the decision not to renew his contract, and he had learnt it from someone else.
Mr Lee, who was seconded from the Singapore Sports Council (SSC) to manage the table tennis team, said he would return to the SSC after his contract ends with STTA.
He added that he is proud of the team's achievements in Beijing and would hold his head high after helping to contribute to Singapore's Olympic silver medal performance.
Ms Lee, on the other hand, told Channel NewsAsia that the decision not to renew Mr Lee's contract when it expires at the end of August was made before the team had left for the Olympics.
As for the changes in the team management structure, the association is looking to recruit a CEO and a technical director. Once these positions are filled, STTA will decide who the next team manager will be.
- CNA/so
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damage recovery ...
By Dominique Loh, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 24 August 2008 1705 hrs
BEIJING: The controversial decision by the Singapore Table Tennis Association (STTA) not to extend its team manager's tenure hangs over the paddlers' triumphant return to Singapore from the Beijing Olympics.
The controversy started when the coach of table tennis player Gao Ning was absent from his match during the Olympic Games. STTA's president, Lee Bee Wah, had expressed unhappiness over the absence and said action would be taken after the Olympic Games.
The team later explained that Gao Ning's coach fell ill at the last minute. Another coach overseeing Singapore player Yangzi's match was asked to look after Gao Ning, but Yangzi's match started late and overlapped Gao Ning's match entirely.
When contacted, Chef de Mission Tan Eng Liang said he was satisfied with the team's explanation and had considered the matter closed.
Singapore's table tennis team manager, Antony Lee, declined to be interviewed on camera, saying he was busy preparing for Sunday night's Olympic closing ceremony. Ms Lee also declined a camera interview, saying whatever else she had to say could complicate matters.
But both did speak to the Channel NewsAsia's news team over the phone. Mr Lee said he was not informed by the STTA president about the decision not to renew his contract, and he had learnt it from someone else.
Mr Lee, who was seconded from the Singapore Sports Council (SSC) to manage the table tennis team, said he would return to the SSC after his contract ends with STTA.
He added that he is proud of the team's achievements in Beijing and would hold his head high after helping to contribute to Singapore's Olympic silver medal performance.
Ms Lee, on the other hand, told Channel NewsAsia that the decision not to renew Mr Lee's contract when it expires at the end of August was made before the team had left for the Olympics.
As for the changes in the team management structure, the association is looking to recruit a CEO and a technical director. Once these positions are filled, STTA will decide who the next team manager will be.
- CNA/so
________________
damage recovery ...
