20 LUMEN | INTERVIEW
Sports Life for
By Julian Teng
Sports for life . A short but resounding statement and a testament to the devotion of Mr
Patrick Zehnder and Mr Peter Martens to the world of sports . Even at an advanced age , both maintain their health and fitness , all the while exploring new avenues in which they can reinvent the way sports participation can be enhanced . Despite being in the Rouen Room for this interview , far away from any sporting facilities , their zest and zeal for not just sports but SJI was overwhelming and heartfelt .
Speaking not of titles , fame or glory , both Patrick and Peter spoke as true Lasallians , of how to engage young minds , the fostering of sportsmanship and advancing the Singapore sports scene . Their famed humility and modesty about their achievements never faltered . Even when asked about how each viewed their achievements and contributions , they steered the conversation back to passing on sports and the values that can be taught through sports to young Singaporeans . To Patrick , it is of utmost importance that players played as a team and played for their alma mater . Similarly , Peter places significant emphasis on sportsmanship and humility . Even in a seated setting , sportsmanship and teamwork were at the forefront of their persona , both men aiding each other in their recollection and narration , the ultimate tag team .
It is for this reason , and for the indelible mark that both men had left on their students and on SJI in their time as educators here in the school , that have brought those very students back to inaugurate two new sports awards in SJI , first introduced at Thanksgiving Assembly 2019 , namely the Peter Martens Trophy and the Patrick Zehnder Trophy . Both awards aspire to encourage young Josephians to pursue a fit and healthy lifestyle and to foster a sporting spirit here in SJI . Coincidentally , both Josephians began their sporting lives here in SJI as well . It all started with school and their PE lessons . As young Josephians in the early 50s , they did not enjoy the luxury of various facilities as SJI does now . Despite that , enthusiasm on both the parts of their teachers as well as themselves nurtured their interest in all manner of sports , including hockey , cricket and football . This enthusiasm and their own hard work brought success to both in their own ways . Peter became a wellknown and well-respected hockey coach , coaching many including his own