1983

Henry Tan was the first to put Singapore in the world bowling map by winning the highest single game (298 pinfalls out of a possible 300) and bagging the individual silver medal at the World Games in Copenhagen in 1970.

The 12th SEA Games held in Singapore in 1983 was to be the swan song for Henry in his competitive career. He was both a competitor and a coach at the Games.  He helped the men’s teams of three and five to clinch the gold.  The National Bowling Team, of which he was assistant coach, swept seven out of the nine gold medals at stake.  This outstanding performance led the Singapore National Olympic Council to select him as the Best Coach, that year.

Henry continued to coach the national bowling team over the next 10 years.  In 1993, he helped to successfully set up bowling as one of the school’s curricular activities.  He has since retired from managing the Jackie’s Bowl (Katong) but he was still involved in coaching the youths.


2009

Those who have been following the local bowling scene will know Henry Tan as one of Singapore’s most prolific keglers, striking his way to the Sportsman of the Year title twice in 1970 and 1975 respectively.

This is also the second time Henry has clinched the Coach of the Year award, his last award being in 1983. The 66 year old’s skill and passion for the game has endeared him to a new generation of athletes. Among his former protégés is Remy Ong, himself a world champion and triple Asian Games Gold medalist.

Henry was instrumental in the Singapore team’s success at the Asian Youth Games in 2009, imparting his experience and techniques to an up and coming crop of bowling champs. His effort was rewarded when they beat out traditional powerhouses such as Korea, Japan and Thailand by rolling out a remarkable eight medal booty.