Singapore Aquatics (SAQ) president Mark Chay has been diagnosed with leukemia and will not pursue a second term as the head of the national sports association.
The 42-year-old confirmed his diagnosis with CNA on Wednesday (Jul 17) evening.
News of Mr. Chay’s illness, initially reported by the Straits Times, comes as his two-year term as SAQ president concludes in August. According to the report, he will focus on his health and family and, therefore, will not seek re-election for the position he assumed in June 2022.
A former national swimmer, Mr. Chay made his Olympic debut at 18 at the 2000 Sydney Games and competed again four years later in Athens.
He was named Singapore’s Sportboy and Sportsman of the Year in 2001 and 2002, respectively.
Mr. Chay served as a nominated member of parliament from 2021 to 2023, addressing issues related to sports.
He is currently the chief development officer of the Global Esports Federation, a non-governmental organization headquartered in Singapore that promotes e-sports.
Possible Successor
SAQ must hold its annual general meeting by Sep 30, which is also when an election, if needed, for office bearers will be held.
Mr. Chay has endorsed SAQ secretary-general Kenneth Goh to be the association’s next president, according to the Straits Times.
A former national swimmer himself, Mr. Goh, 46, is an academic director and associate professor at Singapore Management University.