Source: Ed
Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs Edwin Tong traded his usual formal attire for football boots as he took part in the Joo Chiat Interfaith Football Tournament.
Sharing photos from the event on Instagram on Saturday (5 Sept), Mr Tong said the tournament brought together people from different faiths and walks of life.
The tournament saw participants come together as teammates and opponents once the whistle blew, putting aside their different backgrounds and beliefs to enjoy the sport.
Source: Edwin Tong on Instagram
Mr Tong said the experience was also a reminder of what Singapore is like as a society.
“We may come from different backgrounds, hold different beliefs and practise different traditions, but there is so much more that we share,” he said.
“And sometimes, all it takes is a football to remind us of that,” he added.
The Joo Chiat Interfaith Football Tournament is an example of how sports can bring people together.
Rather than focusing on differences, participants could also enjoy the game they love as “neighbours”.
Source: Edwin Tong on Instagram
Mr Tong also appeared to enjoy getting back on the pitch, saying he was “always happy to lace up the boots for a game”.
He added: “Some things don’t need much introduction. Just a ball, two goals, and people willing to play.”
In the comments section, netizens were impressed by the minister’s enthusiasm and level of participation.
One Instagram user said that Mr Tong looked like a “professional player”.
Source: Instagram
A fellow netizen wrote: “What a beautiful shot”.
Whether the praise was for the craft behind the photograph or for the actual shot Mr Tong was taking is a double entendre left for readers to ponder.
Source: Instagram
An Instagram user was impressed that Mr Tong still had the energy to play football after their walkabout in the morning.
Source: Instagram
Another netizen also agreed with Mr Tong, saying that sports are “truly the best bonding agent, bringing people from all walks of life together!”
Source: Instagram
Also read: Edwin Tong sings Canto-pop classic at East Coast Getai, delights crowd of over 800 residents
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Featured image adapted from Edwin Tong on Instagram.