Olympic medallist Max urges more corporate support for athletes

It will help raise standard of sports in Singapore, he says in chat with DBS CEO

- Melvyn Teoh

Newly minted Olympic bronze medallist Maximilian Maeder has called on more corporate bodies to come forward to support and sponsor athletes to lift the standard of sports in Singapore.

The 17-year-old kitefoiler said: "I could wish nothing but the best for my fellow athletes and I see (sponsorships) as a good thing. Does it have to be 'X' sponsorship for this athlete? I can't tell you. The situation has to figure itself out." He added: "But I do wish that sponsorships happen for athletes, and it uplifts the sporting scene in Singapore.

"It (also) shows that you can be a sportsman and that you can make a good living out of it." He was speaking with DBS chief executive Piyush Gupta at Marina Bay Financial Centre on Aug 15.

A crowd of 200 people, mostly DBS staff armed with red clappers and party blowers, attended the event, including Maximilian's parents Valentin Maeder and Teng Hwee Keng.

Maximilian, who became Singapore's youngest Olympic medallist and sixth overall after bagging the bronze in the men's kite event at the recent Paris Games, is touched by the partnership with DBS Bank a 42-year deal inked in July.