In May 1949, a group of enthusiasts formed the Swift Athletes, a Chinese club. Its immediate aim was to promote athletics in the country. The club felt that coaching for athletes was a necessity and that we give unless better facilities for the young people of Singapore, athletics would remain in the doldrums. With the improved coaching and the interest stimulated by this group of athletes, the club became very popular. The success and achievements got in the various athletics meets were rapid.
The Swift Athletes felt that in Sports there should be no distinction in race, class, or creed and that it should not encourage communal sports. As it was then, in June 1950, Mrs. Yeo Choon Bee, E.A.Sears, Goh Teck Phuan, Chin Lye Heng, Tay Boo Jiang, Choy Yew Mun, Lam Kah Poh, Ng Gim Seng and Ang Kian Guan formed the Swift Athletes Association with Mr Yeo Choon Bee as President and Mr Goh Teck Phuan as Honorary Secretary. This was the beginning of a new era in athletics in Malaya and Singapore by the Swift Athletes Association.