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Paralympians, world record holders, first-timers - Disabled athletes challenge Aviva Ironman 70.3

If you’re travelling around the city areas or East Coast Park this Sunday, don’t be surprised if you find more than a thousand people racing on the roads. They are the much-inspiring participants in the first Ironman 70.3 in Singapore.

The AVIVA Ironman 70.3 Singapore is the first Ironman 70.3 race in Asia. And already it has struck many firsts with this new international sporting event right here on our shores. For example, it has the largest number of physically challenged athletes ever taking part in a triathlon locally.

Yes, more than 10 physically challenged athletes will be hitting the sea and roads this Sunday to challenge this gruelling test of mental and physical strength, ranging from athletes with hearing impairment to athletes with physical disability. And among these inspirational sportsmen are the likes of three-time Paralympian Gregory Burns, world-record holder Theresa Goh and ultra-marathoner Dr William Tan. All three will be attempting to complete the Ironman fully.

Besides the three, there are also two relays teams made up of various athletes from the different disciplines, such as swimmers Lim Keng Joo and Dr Wong Meng Ee, handcyclists Ajmal Samuel, Foo Fung Liang and Aaron Yeo, as well as racer Jack Lai. 

While Gregory, Dr Tan and Ajmal have had triathlon experience before, almost all of the rest are first-timers in such a competition. But none has backed out so far. In fact, all participating athletes have been rambling about the competition with excitement.

Not only are they looking forward to challenge their limits during this race, the athletes will also be putting in their best to raise the awareness of the abilities of people with disabilities through their participation. This is also in aid of raising support for the Live That Dream Fund, a fund that was set up by the Singapore Disability Sports Council (SDSC) to enable athletes to realize their sporting dreams.

So, if you see them on their handcycles or wheelchair racers this Sunday, remember to wave them good luck and keep them going! And, be friendly on the roads!