In a historic move aimed at promoting athlete representation and safeguarding in gymnastics, Singapore Gymnastics (SG) has announced the establishment of its first-ever Athletes Commission. The decision was made during the December 2023 Board Meeting, marking a significant step forward for the nation's gymnastic community.

The newly appointed members of the Athletes Commission include:

• Men's Artistic Gymnastics (MAG) Chair: Hoe Wah Toon
• Women's Artistic Gymnastics (WAG): Ashley Lau
• Rhythmic Gymnastics (RG): Jael Chew
• Trampoline (TRA): Shannon Leong

Terry Tay, an athlete representative and member of the OCA and SNOC Athletes Committee, will also be joining the Commission.

As part of SG's Child Safe Programme and following SNOC recommendations, the Athletes Commission is designed to prioritise athlete welfare and contribute to the overall success of the SG team.

The commission's vision is to represent elite gymnasts and uphold a fair, equitable, and harassment-free athletic environment. Its mission includes representing gymnasts in team selection matters, working with SG on policy adherence, and serving as a communication channel between gymnasts and SG executives.

The commission serves various roles, including providing non-political advice to SG, acting as a promotional tool for the sport, and facilitating open communication between athletes and SG. It is geared towards promoting high standards of sportsmanship and ethical performance at both national and international levels.

The inaugural meeting, scheduled for February, will focus on defining the commission's roles and exploring effective communication channels with athletes. Additionally, discussions will revolve around providing feedback on SG's plans and addressing concerns from athletes. The commission will also explore ways to recognize athlete contributions, potentially through the Annual Awards/Dinner and the establishment of an athlete alumni.

The introduction of the Athletes Commission is expected to enhance athlete representation, foster communication, and contribute to the continual growth and success of gymnastics in Singapore.