CHAPTER TWO
Secondary Section
SJIOBA Sportsman of the Year
Alden Ler ( ML402 )
Alden Ler joined SJI from St Joseph ’ s Institution Junior in 2016 with good PSLE results . As a young Year 1 boy , his presence and prowess as a canoeist was quickly noticed . Not only did he show tenacity in competitions , his leadership qualities made him a potential candidate to lead the SJI Canoeing Team . In no time , he developed into a well-respected leader of the SJI Canoeing team .
When Alden was in Year Two , he did exceptionally well in the National Canoeing Championships and was invited to join the National Junior Programme of the National Junior Training Squad . Since then , he trained regularly with the national athletes . In addition , he continued his usual training commitments with the SJI Canoeing Team . Despite the extra demands placed on him , he has remained level-headed and motivated , consistently juggling his time and effort in his studies and commitments to the school and national team .
Alden trained hard and was selected to be part of the Singapore contingent to compete against 600 young paddlers from 36 countries at the Olympic Hopes Regatta in Poznan , Poland in September 2019 . Alden flew the Singapore flag high when he participated in 2019 Asia Pacific Sprint Cup in Hamilton , New Zealand and emerged 2nd and 3rd in the event MK4-500m and MK4-200m respectively . At present , Alden is undergoing intensive training to represent Singapore in 2019 ICF Canoe Marathon World Championships to be held in Shaoxing , China , 2020 Asian Canoe Sprint Championships in Pattaya , Thailand and 2020 Asia Pacific Sprint Regatta in Japan .
The SJI Canoeing Team Coach Huang Chun Jian has always maintained his impression of Alden as a driven and disciplined student . He was extremely delighted when he received news of Alden being named SJIOBA Sportsman of the Year . He commended him on his achievement , “ Alden certainly deserves this title . He shows everyone that once you set your heart and mind to accomplish a goal , there will be eventual success . He has set a very good example for his peers and juniors . His success is indeed a motivation for many of us . Keep it up !” On behalf of the teachers in charge of the SJI Canoeing Team , Mr Fong Kok Hoong congratulated Alden , “ Your progress and wonderful achievement in the team is testament to the fact that a desire to succeed takes more than just a dream . Real hard work has to be invested and sacrifices have to be made . We are indeed happy that you have come this far ! The immense dedication and effort that you have put into this sport is all worth it .”
The National Development Coach for Sprint Kayaking , Mr Lee Wei Liang Bill , has this to say of Alden , “ Alden is wise beyond his age . He is a very sensible boy who makes rational decisions that have helped him to achieve success in both his studies and sports . He is exemplary in his conduct and is a role model for his teammates and juniors in the national team . A natural leader who leads by example , he has the ability to ignite the fire in others with his infectious energy and personality . Even as he pursues his goals in canoeing , he motivates , helps and inspires his teammates and together they work towards fulfilling their goals . It ’ s been a pleasure and honour to make an impact on a boy who will go on to do great things for the community .”
A self-directed athlete who organises his priorities with excellent self-management skills , Alden has shown that with perseverance , correct attitude and disposition , success can be attained . He will continue to excel and distinguished himself with his positive energy and enthusiasm .
40 ST JOSEPH ’ S INSTITUTION