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“I was there to welcome back our IPC World Swimming Champ team”
By Joyce KayIt wasn’t a typical celebrity homecoming. There were neither screaming fans nor hulking security guards present. Yet it seemed that all other elements were there: the media, the flowers, and most importantly, the love and adoration of those awaiting the arrival of Theresa Goh, Lim Keng Joo, Yip Pin Xiu and Dr Wong Meng Ee.
The contingent sent to participate in the 2006 International Paralympic Committee (IPC) World Swimming Championship touched down on home ground on the 10th of December. Returning with them from Durban, South Africa were some stories of disappointment, many instances of courage, and a lot of dirty laundry. The team had been away for three weeks (two of which were spent at the FESPIC Games), and now, with two medals in tow, it was no surprise that the team had many anecdotes to regale their supporters with.
Standing by the sidelines, I watched as bouquets were presented and hugs were given and received by the returning heroes. I eavesdropped on interviews with swimmer-extraordinaire Theresa Goh while applause still rang about my ears. Perhaps, in my capacity as an observer of the team’s return, I have come to several conclusions.
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The most significant truth I came to realize was that the four athletes were no different from the able-bodied sportsmen presently competing in Doha. Theresa, Keng Joo, Pin Xiu and Meng Ee had undergone rigorous training under their coach Mr Ang Peng Siong for many months in preparation of their competition, just as our Team Singapore contingent in Doha had. The victory Theresa Goh tasted in attaining the world title in the 200m Individual Medley for SM5 category was every bit as sweet as Tao Li’s in the 50m Butterfly Race in the Asian Games. Although these athletes are not privy to the same resources and rewards as the able-bodied sportsmen, it is under such circumstances that make the team’s ability to secure at least one spot in the 2008 Beijing Paralympics even more pronounced. |
I witnessed the homecoming, and later on, chatted with Dr Wong on his long overseas trip. He said, “I did not perform too well during the FESPIC Games… but I improved my personal best times for all my events in Durban.”
I am proud of Singapore for being ranked 24 out of 49 participating countries in the IPC World Swimming Championship – where the world’s best compete, despite our fairly small swim team. I am honoured to have met all the returning athletes personally, and to have talked with Dr Wong at length. It has been a privilege to have been part of the band of supporters welcoming the team home, and I anticipate even greater achievements from Singapore’s athletes in the near future.