Football legend Fandi Ahmad star of video filmed to promote SEA Games 2015

The Straits Times, 4 Mar 2015

Singapore football legend Fandi Ahmad is the star of the first of three videos filmed specially to promote the June 5-16 SEA Games in Singapore.

"Ordinary" tells the story of Fandi's rise from Kaki Bukit kampong boy to one of Asia's most talented footballers and among a handful to earn a European contract in the 1980s. His European stint is best remembered by his Uefa Cup goal for Dutch side FC Groningen against Italian giants Inter Milan.

In one of the scenes in the 12-minute film, which also features cameos from his sons Irfan and Ikhsan, a young Fandi is seen crying when he was not selected for the Milo football scheme.

But he never gave up and was picked to join the elite football programme on his second attempt, before going on to represent the National team at the age of 17.

Fandi, currently coach of the LionsXII, told Malay daily Berita Harian: "I hope this film will be an inspiration to the younger generation to work hard to realise their dreams."

"Ordinary" is directed by local filmmaker, Nicole Woodford. The film's theme song, which also goes by the same name, is written by composer and lyricist Amir Masoh and performed by The Sam Willows.

The song is inspired by the Games' key message that "it's never meant to be easy when you're trying to be more than ordinary", the song highlights much of an athlete's struggle in the pursuit of his dream. It is one of three official theme songs on the 14-track Songs Of The Games. The other two are "Greatest" and "Unbreakable".

The songs can be previewed free of charge on the official SEA Games songs website (www.songsofthegames.com), Spotify, AMPED, and Deezer.

They can also be purchased on iTunes. The album costs $9.98, and includes an e-book with lyrics and musician profiles. A portion of the proceeds will go towards the SportCares Foundation.