Ahhh…. Sportsmen.

Toned, tanned bodies. Sculpted physiques with muscular lean lines. Rock hard abs and the perspiration that drips off these sexy bodily angles.

YUM~

Someone call the fire department NOW! Tooooooo HOT!

I love love love hot bods. Who doesnt!

Of course, these drool-worthy poster physiques dont come easy.

I remember training hard back in the DAPees days where bodies like that came naturally to us. The daily physical training wasnt easy; it was more than just physically tough. There were mental stumbling blocks we had to overcome too. The fear of failure was a prevalent one. The uncertainty of trying something new, the possibility that the new stunt we’re doing might not work out and hence, cause injury, or just plain feeling like you’re not good enough (how common that is) were more than just feelings; they were our second skin.

But we persevered. And pulled through to the very end because we were there for each other; supporting one another and encouraging each other when we most needed it. But most importantly, we had instructors who made the effort to boost our morales and help us along the way when we met with difficulties. They also celebrated with us every little milestone because it signified the overcoming obstacles that were attached to the particular challenge. It was an eventful 11-month journey of self-discovery, thanks to wonderful friends and superb instructors, all of whom I would like to especially thank. They have set the stone for me to lead a healthy lifestyle in the years to come.

Although I dont dance much nowadays, I have gone back to another sport which was always a first love — running. I never formally competed but have *cough* gathered several medals and trophies for the Annual Road Run or Sports Carnival back in those days.

I know how it feels to have your body in tip-top condition. To feel good about your body and know without a doubt that it’ll perfectly fit in your clothes. Having your body that fit also translates to a better immune system and thus less chance that you’ll fall sick! Not to mention the adrenalin rush that comes from having worked out – a natural blusher that is entirely organic.

However, it isnt always easy to for me to pry my bum off the chair after a hard day at work. But a certain individual who will always hold the title of Sports King in my eyes, despite finishing his reign last year, has served as a constant reminder and inspiration for me to put on my running shoes almost twice a week. Through his example and sheer dedication to ensuring he fits in his runs whenever he can into his already insanely packed schedule, not only have I become physically more fit, I feel a sense of accomplishment knowing that I can now run longer distances when initially I gawked at the thought of it. I feel happier too because although I have now put my dancing shoes back in their boxes and essentially given up a sport that combined both physical conditioning and a passion of mine, I have an alternative that I very much enjoy and can also do with like-minded people. For that, he will always be a Sports King and Sports Champion in my eyes.

I never knew how to thank him, but the opportunity has arisen. The POSB Everyday Champions Award is perfect for expressing my appreciation toward the above-mentioned individual. For always encouraging and standing by me, for being a healthy role model and showing me the joy of a healthy lifestyle, he certainly deserves to be recognised.

My nomination for this award, thus, goes out to him, my Sports King and Champion.

Is there someone you’d like to thank who has given you undying support through your sporting pursuits or simply inspired you to want to pick up a new activity? Nominate him or her for the Everyday Champions Award! You can nominate everyday individuals who are inspiring sporting role models like my Sports King, encouraging family members who help you excel in your sport, or even great sporting fanatics who are at every sports game cheering their hearts out! Show your love for your favourite, most inspirational coaches and even organisations, big or small, that build a sporting way of life for all employees! Cash prizes await!

The hunt is ON! Nominate now!