Page 145 - Mariners Cricket Club (Singapore) - Souvenir Magazine 2020

MESSAGE BY CAPT. MASANORI OKADA

Managing Director “K” Line Ship Management Singapore

020 will be remembered as a special year in our lives. While it has been
challenging times for most, some will also consider it an era of new

2opportunities. Riding out storms at sea is a regular day in office for the
Mariners and we always look up to new horizons. The challenges posed
by the pandemic brought to the forefront, the Resilience and spirit of the
Mariners in keeping the world moving.

While other industries suspended operations , the Seafarers continued to
perform in the adversity, with extended tenures onboard and no option of reliefs.

Rest of the world fretted over life in isolation and restrictions on social interactions, and the
Mariner wondered what the fuss was all about.!

No praise or words of appreciation can measure the outstanding work done by our colleagues
at Sea in navigating this storm! And it’s not over yet……..

This period also taught us a few more lessons in life, so to say. To live in the present, rejoice
in what you have and most importantly “Celebrate Life”.

I have been in Singapore for a little over two years now and one institution which matches
this thinking is the Mariners Cricket Club. During my stay here I have had the privilege of
attending a few of the events organized by the Club – The Mariners Night and Mariners
Premier League Cricket tournament.

Though personally I do not follow Cricket, I do join in to cheer and support the K Line team
for their games during the tournament.
The kind of camaraderie, spirit and bonding between the marine community seen at these
gatherings is something to cherish. In my belief it is a unique platform which truly “celebrates”
this noble profession. The sheer number of Mariners who join in the events is something to
be proud off.

KLSM has been a supporter of the Club and a participant in the activities since its inception
and will continue to do so in the coming years as well. Sports is a medium which creates
bonds in people across Nationalities and cultures. There can be no better Team building
activity than what is displayed on a cricket or soccer field or perhaps on a badminton court.

Understandably this year the activities have been curtailed due to the circumstances ,but we
hope to get back with renewed enthusiasm at the earliest.
I take this opportunity in extending my compliments to the Managing Committee of the
Mariners Cricket Club for the wonderful work they have done for the Mariners and the
community in general and wish them the very best for the future. You have our support!

Capt. Masanori Okada

Mariners’ Cricket Club (Singapore) 145