Champions of the 3-on-3 Mixed Floorball tournament from Ministry of Home Affairs.

The thrill of sport goes far beyond the scoreboard. It's about camaraderie, the cheer of the crowd and the shared pursuit of excellence. At the 2023 STAR Games, the standout teams in bowling, volleyball, table tennis and floorball didn't just play; they inspired us with their synergy and the strong connections they formed on their way to victory.

3-on-3 Mixed Floorball Tournament (23 September 2023)

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) team shone at the 3-on-3 Mixed Floorball tournament, bringing home the championship from a field of 35 teams, comprising 169 participants from 11 organisations. 

The event unfolded at the Team Sports Hall of Our Tampines Hub was graced by Guest-of-Honour Mr Azhar Yusof, CSC Executive Committee member. 

Team work and a sense of precision are the skills on display.

MHA team manager Mr Muhammad Akid Bin Azhar attributed their triumph to the team's seamless communication and deep understanding of each other's style of play. “A team that recognises each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and communicates effectively on the court is more likely to come out tops,” said Mr Akid, who is also a committee member of the Home Team’s Sports and Recreation Guild.

He emphasised that regular training is essential for building a strong, cohesive team. “Additionally, the ability to quickly adapt to the game's fast pace and provide mutual support is crucial for success in floorball,” he added.

High tensions as the players co-ordinate to pass the ball to one another.

RESULTS:

Champion: Ministry of Home Affairs (1)
Second Place: Ministry of Education (4)
Third Place: Ministry of Education (3)
Fourth Place: Ministry of Home Affairs (4)

9-Pin Tap Bowling Competition (7 to 28 October 2023) 

Held at Planet Bowl within CSC @ Tessensohn, the 9 Pin Tap Bowling Competition was a showcase of precision, with the Ministry of Education (MOE) stealing the spotlight. They led the charge among an impressive turnout of 114 teams from 24 organisations by dominating all three categories and clinching the overall championship. 

Ms Tanya Fong, CSC Executive Committee member, graced the event as Guest-of-Honour and presented prizes to the winning teams.

Mr Yang Jianfeng, one of MOE's three team managers, shared their winning strategy: astute deployment of each bowler's strengths and fostering a team environment rich in camaraderie. Between their turns on the lanes, the MOE bowlers would engage in casual conversations about personal life and professional passions, creating a relaxed atmosphere where everyone could shine.

“When the bowlers in a team click well, that’s really the magic sauce that helps them overcome any personal anxiety or self-doubt,” said Mr Yang. “At the risk of sounding clichéd, the whole really is greater than the sum of its parts.” 

Winning teams from Ministry of Education for the 9-Pin Tap Bowling competition.

RESULTS: 

Women’s Category:
Champion: Ministry of Education 
Second Place: Ministry of Defence 
Third Place: Ministry of Health (2)
Fourth Place: Ministry of Health (1)

Men’s Category:
Champion: Ministry of Education (5)
Second Place: Ministry of Home Affairs
Third Place: Ministry of Defence 
Fourth Place: Ministry of Education (2)

Active Agers’ Category: 
Champion: Ministry of Education (1)
Second Place: Ministry of Education (2) 
Third Place: Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment
Fourth Place: Ministry of Defence 

Overall Placings:
Champion: Ministry of Education
Second Place: Ministry of Defence
Third Place: Ministry of Home Affairs
Fourth Place: Ministry of Health

Volleyball Tournament (14 October 2023)

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) showed remarkable resilience at the Volleyball Tournament, which featured 26 teams from 10 organisations. Despite early losses that threatened their progression, MHA's determination saw them emerging as overall champion.

Witnessing first-hand the intense competition and sportsmanship at Hougang Sports Hall was Guest-of-Honour Mr Wee Tee Heng, CSC Honorary Treasurer who also presented the prizes to the deserving winning teams.

A great defence displayed as players gave their best. 

MHA's team spirit was notably galvanised when MHA (1) secured a deserving victory over competition favourite MOE (1) in a decisive loser's pool match, propelling them into the semi-finals. This ultimately led to their championship win for the second consecutive year.

"The beauty of our victory lies in the robust and sportsmanlike bond we share with our counterparts in public service. It's this perseverance and flexibility that have helped our teams to rebound and strategically approach each match with a fresh perspective," said MHA team manager Mr Li Kunhan.

Leading up to the tournament, coordinating training proved challenging for MHA, with many officers juggling shift work. However, the commitment of the team members and support from the management were unwavering. 

“Volleyball promotes a healthy lifestyle and fosters camaraderie among public service officers, allowing for the renewal of friendships. It is one of the primary reasons why most of our officers have stuck with the sport — and why 2023 was another heart-warming year where we received unceasing support from everyone involved.”

Champions of the Volleyball tournament from Ministry of Home Affairs 

RESULTS:

Women’s Category:
Champion: Ministry of Defence
Second Place: Ministry of Home Affairs (1)
Third Place: Ministry of Education 
Fourth Place: Ministry of Home Affairs (2)

Men’s Category: 
Champion: Ministry of Home Affairs (2)
Second Place: Ministry of Home Affairs (1)
Third Place: Ministry of Defence
Fourth Place: Ministry of Health

Overall Placings:
Champion: Ministry of Home Affairs
Second Place: Ministry of Defence
Third Place: Ministry of Education
Fourth Place: Ministry of Health

Table Tennis Tournament (11 October 2023)

According to MINDEF team manager Mr Por Keng Boon, a key part of their strategy was to ascertain their opponents’ strengths in order to determine the best line-up. Insights from all team members also helped during tough decision-making. 

Agility and determination were seen on every player's face as the games continued.

“When the team came together, we were able to discuss issues openly and think of what was best for the team, regardless of rank,” he recounted. “Whenever we lost a game or match, we encouraged each other and discussed the plan for the next game. Those were some of the most heart-warming tournament moments for me and the team.” 

Spontaneity is the name of the game.

Mr Por added that the team used chat groups to welcome new members and to share their views freely. “During the competition, we try our best to make everyone feel at ease so that no one feels pressurised.” 

Champions from Ministry of Defence

RESULTS:

Women’s Category: 
Champion: Ministry of Education
Second Place: Ministry of Home Affairs (1)
Third Place: Ministry of Home Affairs (2) 
Fourth Place: Land Transport Authority

Men’s Category:
Champion: Ministry of Education
Second Place: Ministry of Defence
Third Place: National University of Singapore 
Fourth Place: Ministry of Home Affairs (1)

Senior/Active Agers Category:
Champion: Ministry of Defence
Second Place: Land Transport Authority
Third Place: Ministry of Education
Fourth Place: Housing & Development Board

Overall Placings:
Champion: Ministry of Defence
Second Place: Ministry of Education
Third Place: Land Transport Authority
Fourth Place: National University of Singapore

All pictures by Civil Service Club.

Gather your team and sign up for the next Public Service STAR Games HERE.