[Media Release] Singapore kicks off first inclusive climbing event for persons with visual impairment
Link to media advisory here Singapore kicks off first inclusive climbing event for persons with visual impairment Following the launch of the Disability Sports Master Plan 2024, Singapore marked a new milestone in inclusive sports on 23 November 2024 with the inaugural event of “Merdeka Monkey,” the first inclusive climbing event of its kind in Singapore. Held at Outpost Climbing, this event saw 21 individuals with visual impairments successfully completing climbs with the assistance of sighted climbers. Held in collaboration with Japan-based nonprofit Monkey Magic, an inclusive climbing movement founded by Mr Koichiro Kobayashi, four-time world para climbing champion in the Men’s B1 category, sighted climbers underwent guided training sessions before pairing with visually impaired participants to navigate the climbing walls together. “I have learnt a lot from this experience. As part of training, I was blindfolded and made to climb the wall- only then did I realise how difficult it was. Guiding someone with visual impairment up the climbing wall has made me learn how to communicate clearly and build trust,” said Jason Koh. Conquering the climbs was an empowering experience for Anna Ong, who has vision impairment. “When you are able to make it to the top, you really feel the sense of achievement and proud of yourself. A guide is very important- they let you feel safe and give you the instructions to help you reach your goal easier”. Outpost Climbing’s Managing Director, Tan Jun Xiang, also expressed how the initiative was meaningful for the climbing gym, “At Outpost Climbing, we want to be a safe and welcoming space for everyone to connect, grow, and progress in their climbing journey. Thanks to all the volunteers, participants and supporting organisations, we are honoured to be able to host a world champion like Mr Koichiro Kobayshi, and realise Singapore’s first-of-its-kind inclusive climbing event.” Merdeka Monkey, a ground-up initiative, comprises representatives from iC2 Prephouse, the Singapore Association for the Visually Handicapped (SAVH), the Singapore Disability Sports Council (SDSC), Outpost Climbing Gym and A/P Wong Meng Ee, a former national para-swimmer himself and an advocate for inclusive education and sports. A/P Wong emphasised the group’s mission, “This climbing event was an inspiring testament to the power of connection and shared adventure as sighted and blind climbers came together to scale new heights. For blind participants, it was a unique opportunity to engage in a sport often perceived as inaccessible, fostering confidence, independence, and a sense of achievement. Sighted climbers, serving as guides and partners, gained a profound appreciation for trust, communication, and teamwork, as they navigated pathways through their partner’s perspective. This mutual exchange not only broke down barriers but also cultivated a stronger, more empathetic climbing community where everyone could grow and thrive.” Building on its success of creating 20 inclusive climbing communities across Japan, this event marks Monkey Magic’s first international collaboration. Mr. Kobayashi, who graced the event to cheer on the new climbers, said, “For nearly 20 years, Monkey Magic has worked tirelessly in Japan to create opportunities for individuals of all abilities to connect and grow through climbing. Extending that experience and vision to our friends and communities across Asia has always been our dream. Today’s event has shown us that the same magic we’ve witnessed in Japan—where climbing brings people together, fostering joy, friendship, and a sense of belonging—is just as possible here in Singapore. This marks the beginning of something truly special. We are confident that, just like in Japan, an inclusive society can take shape in Singapore through the shared experience of climbing. Today is the first step toward that brighter future.” Through this initiative, Merdeka Monkey aims to empower individuals of all abilities, fostering a supportive community that embraces the sense of independence and achievement that comes with conquering new heights. Future plans include regularising the inclusive climbing sessions as well as expansion of climbing opportunities to individuals of other disabilities, “Today’s event exemplifies what the Disability Sports Master Plan 2024 has been emphasising – the power of partnerships, volunteerism and inclusive play. Looking forward, we are excited about what the new Enabling Sports Fund can do to encourage more efforts like this, enhancing access to sports for persons with disabilities,” commented Ms Kelly Fan, Executive Director, Singapore Disability Sports Council. Link to event photos: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1z3MUiMzsEOXKDkKOcis4X3tDqOV5rHsq?usp=sharing Link to media advisory here
[Media Release] Largest number of awardees celebrated at Singapore Disability Sports Awards 2024
SDSA 2024 Winners up on stage Largest number of awardees celebrated at Singapore Disability Sports Awards 2024 Para swimmers Toh Wei Soong and Yip Pin Xiu dominate top prizes, while para lawn bowls achieves first-time honours Minister Edwin Tong unveils refreshed Disability Sports Master Plan Ms Ho Ching, Chairman of Temasek Trust, introduced as Patron of Singapore Disability Sports Council Link to full story here The Singapore Disability Sports Awards 2024 concluded with its largest number of awardees celebrated at the gala dinner held at Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel on 20 November 2024. 17 individuals, groups and organisations were recognised for their exceptional contributions to disability sports, encompassing both athletic excellence and community development. Organised annually by the Singapore Disability Sports Council (SDSC), the Awards honoured the achievements and contributions made by outstanding individuals and groups in disability sports from April 2023 to March 2024. This year marked significant milestones, including para lawn bowls securing their first-ever podium spot at a world championship. Para swimming maintained its dominance, claiming top honours for the third consecutive year. Defending double world champion Yip Pin Xiu was named Sportswoman of the Year for the fifth time, while Asian Para Games multi-medalist Toh Wei Soong earned his third Sportsman of the Year award. Additionally, 17-year-old Janelle Tong was awarded Sportsgirl of the Year after winning four medals at the 2023 ASEAN Para Games and setting three new national records in the S10 category. World Boccia Youth Champion 2023 Aloysius Gan, together with his mother and competition partner Eve Cher, reclaimed the Sportsboy of the Year title, marking his second win since first receiving the honour in 2021. In 2023, Aloysius achieved podium finishes in three international competitions within three months, securing medals in the World Boccia Youth Championships, ASEAN Para Games, and Poznan Boccia World Challenger. 18-year-old Aloysius, who recently graduated from Cerebral Palsy Alliance Singapore School, is currently a Sports Excellence Scholar (spexScholar). Para lawn bowlers Khirmern Bin Mohamad and Mawjit Singh s/o Gurmet Singh received the Team of the Year award for their bronze medal performance in the Para Men Pairs event at the 2023 World Bowls Championships. This achievement marked the first time Singapore para lawn bowlers reached the podium at a world championship. The duo, both seasoned athletes who previously represented Singapore in other sports such as para powerlifting and para athletics, exemplify resilience and versatility. Notably, Mawjit Singh had been commended in earlier years at the Singapore Disability Sports Awards for his achievements in para athletics. The Coach of the Year (High Performance) award was fiercely contested, with 15 exceptional nominees vying for the honour. The accolade ultimately went to para swimming coach Mick Massey, who led Yip Pin Xiu to break the 200m Freestyle S2 world record in May 2023 and successfully defend her two titles at the World Para Swimming Championships 2023. Mick, renowned for coaching Yip and Theresa Goh Rui Si to Paralympic success at Rio 2016, returned to coach Yip in late 2022, playing a pivotal role in her preparation for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Para athletics coach and former national sprinter Muhamad Hosni Bin Muhamad was honoured as Coach of the Year (Developmental) for guiding sprinters Muhammad Ariq and James Ethan Ang to a new 400m T20 national record and two silver medals in the 100m and 400m T13 events at the ASEAN Para Games 2023 respectively. The Awards also celebrated outstanding contributions to disability sports, extending beyond athletic achievements. Our Tampines Hub’s Inclusive Sports Festival 2023, organised by People’s Association in collaboration with 11 other organisations, was recognised as Event of the Year. Over eight days, the festival offered workshops, friendly matches, and tryouts for sports such as wheelchair basketball, para badminton, blind football, and para table tennis. The event attracted more than 700 persons with disabilities and 20,000 residents, establishing Our Tampines Hub as a welcoming community space for inclusive sports and physical activity. Rainbow Centre’s Young Adult Activities! (YAA!) initiative received the Community Changemaker of the Year award. Launched in 2021 to support former Rainbow Centre students who were limited to the boundaries of their home after graduation from school, YAA! engages young adults with moderate to severe disabilities in meaningful sports and physical activities outside their homes to reduce isolation. In 2024, YAA! expanded to include a DIY trekking programme across Singapore’s parks, to promote health and to introduce accessible nature spaces to caregivers and promote family bonding. The Spirit of Sport (Male) award went to Jason Leong, a former PE teacher who, despite a double leg amputation, continued to champion sports as a way of life. Besides leading outreach and education programmes as part of his work at the ActiveSG Para Sport Academy, Jason also participates actively in sports, such as floorball, swimming and para canoe. He volunteers regularly in the community gyms and physical therapy groups to be a source of support for others on the same journey. Former national goalball player Joan Hung was honoured with the Spirit of Sport (Female) award. As the captain of Singapore’s first-ever medal-winning team at the ASEAN Para Games, Joan transitioned her leadership skills to coaching, where she now mentors youths with visual impairments to build Singapore’s next national goalball team. Beyond coaching, she is a passionate advocate for sports inclusivity, conducting talks and outreach programmes in schools to inspire understanding. Joan also continues to push her own boundaries by training in blind judo and various martial arts. Wheelchair Rugby Singapore was awarded the Spirit of Sport (Team) award. Formed in 2015 with the promotion of the ASEAN Para Games in Singapore, the team has since brought individuals with and without disabilities together from all walks of life to foster meaningful connections both on and off the court. The group also actively participates in public events to promote inclusivity through sport. Nor Rahman Bin Jaafar, a former National Serviceman turned passionate volunteer,
[Media Release] SINGAPORE TO HOST HISTORIC 2025 WORLD PARA SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIPS
Singapore, 5 February 2024 – World Para Swimming (WPS) and the Singapore Disability Sports Council (SDSC) unveiled Singapore as the host city for the 12th edition of the World Para Swimming Championships today. The Championships, which is the highest ranked Para swimming event outside the Paralympic Games, will unfold at the world-class OCBC Aquatic Centre within the Singapore Sports Hub, from 3 October to 9 October 2025. Aligned with Singapore’s 60th birthday celebration, the World Para Swimming Championships will serve as a testament to the nation’s unwavering commitment to inclusivity. Significantly, this milestone event marks the inaugural occasion of the World Para Swimming Championships being hosted in Asia, presenting a rare opportunity for swimmers, both with and without disabilities, to vie for victory in their respective World Championships within the same host nation come 2025. Mr Craig Nicholson, Head of World Para Swimming, said: “We are delighted to announce that next year’s World Championships will take place in Singapore, marking the first time the competition is held in Asia. This is a major milestone for our sport and is also evidence of the growth of Para swimming in the country and the region. Singapore hosted the Citi Para Swimming World Series for the first time in 2019 and since then we have had the opportunity to see first-hand the great work of the Singapore Disability Sports Council, providing opportunities and breaking barriers for persons with disabilities in society. We look forward to working together with the SDSC and their partners to welcome the world’s best Para swimmers to the OCBC Aquatic Centre in 2025.” Para swimming has been a consistent stronghold for Team Singapore, producing Paralympic medalists and world record holders such as Yip Pin Xiu and Theresa Goh Rui Si. Additionally, Asian medalist Toh Wei Soong, Asian record holder Sophie Soon and numerous ASEAN Para Games medalists have contributed to the nation’s rich para swimming legacy. Beyond elite competition, the SDSC also welcomes nearly 100 individuals with physical, visual and intellectual disabilities to its national championships annually. Dr Teo-Koh Sock Miang, President of the SDSC, expressed, “We envision this landmark event propelling Singapore onto the global stage as a country that commits to empower individuals of all abilities. With the generous support of Sport Singapore and the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, we aim to reach out to more Singaporeans through the awareness and partnerships that will be fostered by this event.” “There remains a large number of Singaporeans with disabilities who can find inspiration, success and achievement in Para swimming and Para sport. We would like everyone to be able to gain inspiration and confidence from the exceptional Para swimmers that they will witness at this event. We implore supportive partners and sponsors to collaborate with us in forging a lasting legacy for persons with disabilities and the broader Singaporean community.” “The 2025 World Para Swimming Championships promise to be an unforgettable celebration of diversity, athleticism, and community.” As part of the leadup to the Championships, a new Para swimming learn-to-swim programme, called “SwimTogether”, was also introduced by the SDSC today. Developed by WPS, Singapore would be one of the first countries globally to launch the curriculum, with workshops commencing in May 2024 alongside the Citi Para Swimming World Series Singapore. The SDSC aims to equip more local swim coaches with the skills and confidence to welcome individuals with disabilities into the world of swimming. Singaporeans can also look forward to other ways to learning about Para swimming as the nation gets ready for the big event in 2025. At the event, SDSC also announced its involvement in an upcoming Mediacorp Chinese drama, titled ‘Hope Afloat,’ which revolves around persons with disabilities. Actress Chantalle Ng, best known for her role as the female lead in ‘My Star Bride,’ is set to take on the protagonist’s role as a Para swimmer. The captivating series will be seen on mewatch and Channel 8 in July 2024. This not only promises engaging entertainment but also offers audiences a unique opportunity to gain insights into the world of athletes with disabilities and Para swimming, fostering education and understanding in the lead-up to the Championships in 2025. Adding to the celebratory atmosphere, Madame Tussauds Singapore unveiled a life-size waxwork of Yip Pin Xiu, Singapore’s most decorated Paralympic medalist and para swimmer. This marks a historic moment, as Yip Pin Xiu becomes the first local para athlete to be featured at the attraction. Starting from 6 February 2024, visitors can get up close to the “wax twin” and take a winning photograph with the world champion. In collaboration with the SDSC, the attraction is also working to host special needs groups for a day out at the attraction as part of their community outreach initiative. Visitors with special needs and their caregivers are also welcomed to visit the attraction throughout the year at a concessionary rate. Mr Edwin Tong, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, and Second Minister for Law, who graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour, said, “Hosting the World Para Swimming Championships is a significant milestone for the disability sport community in Singapore. It will enable our Team Singapore athletes to compete against the world’s top para swimmers on home ground, and inspire Singaporeans, as they witness the competition up close.” Community activations featuring various para sports in Singapore are in the plans to raise awareness and reach more persons with disabilities. “SportSG fully supports efforts to uplift the lives of persons with disabilities through sport, through initiatives such as our Para Sport Academies, SportCares programmes, and inclusive ActiveSG facilities. Hosting the World Para Swimming Championships will enable us to build on these efforts in the same year that Singapore will also host the World Aquatics Championships and celebrate SG60. The organising committee seeks to co-create this event with our partners and deliver a memorable experience for all athletes, officials and members of our community. We look forward to everyone’s active participation in cheering for the world’s best
[Media Release] Record-breaking number of awards unveiled at the Singapore Disability Sports Awards 2023, presented by Haw Par Corporation
(Photo credit: Singapore Disability Sports Council / Calvin Teoh) An exceptional array of 14 awards was presented at the Singapore Disability Sports Awards (SDSA) 2023, acknowledging both community contributions and outstanding high-performance achievements. Notably, para swimmers emerged as frontrunners, with defending double world champion Yip Pin Xiu securing the prestigious title of Sportswoman of the Year for the fourth consecutive year. Commonwealth Games silver medalist Toh Wei Soong, who had improved on his 2018 Commonwealth Games bronze, added to the night’s acclaim by clinching his second consecutive Sportsman of the Year award. The ceremony, held this year on 15 November at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre, has been organised by the Singapore Disability Sports Council (SDSC) since 1996 to honour the achievements and contributions made by outstanding individuals and groups in disability sports. The Team of the Year award went to 2022 ASEAN Para Games boccia gold medalists Aloysius Gan and Toh Sze Ning, as well as their competition partners Kagan Gan, who is also Aloysius’ father, and Chew Zi Qun. This marked the second consecutive year that 17-year-old Aloysius has clinched the Team award, this time with a different partner, highlighting his exceptional consistency in performance. Wong Zhi Wei, a Year 1 student at National University of Singapore who claimed double gold at the 2022 ASEAN Para Games in the 50m and 100m Freestyle S13 events, earned the prestigious title of Sportsboy of the Year—an extraordinary achievement, especially considering his kidney transplant just three years prior, as he continues to manage his health while on medication. Breaking new ground for deaf athletes, bowler Adelia Naomi Yokoyama, who amassed eight medals at the Deaflympics 2022 and SEA Deaf Games 2022, made history as she secured the title of Sportsgirl of the Year. The dedication and guidance of coaches were also lauded at the event. Former national bowler William Woo Nam Fatt claimed the Coach of the Year (High Performance) award for his stellar contribution to the deaf bowling team’s successes at the SEA Deaf Games 2022 and Deaflympics 2022. Additionally, para table tennis coach Goh Chyuan was honoured as Coach of the Year (Development) for leading the para table tennis team to a series of victories at the ASEAN Para Games 2022. This year’s event introduced several new awards to honour community contributions, such as ‘Coach of the Year (Community)’, ‘Spirit of Sport (Male / Female / Team)’, and the splitting of the ‘Event/Initiative of the Year’ award into ‘Event of the Year’ and ‘Community Changemaker of the Year’. “As Singapore’s disability sports scene grows, it’s crucial to acknowledge that our para athletes’ incredible achievements are thanks to the whole community’s support. Likewise, the rising awareness of their successes has boosted the overall support for our community. We aim to highlight these combined contributions to showcase the diverse successes individuals with disabilities can achieve in para sports and the varied roles stakeholders can play in empowering these achievements,” shared Ms Kelly Fan, Executive Director of SDSC. The 2023 awards rigorously evaluated the achievements and contributions of nominees spanning from April 2022 to March 2023. This year, the nominations surged to 80, marking a notable increase from the previous year’s 30. The nominees represented a diverse range, spanning from 12 to 76 years old. Mr. Eric Chua, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth & Social and Family Affairs, emphasised the formidable challenge faced by the judging panel. He noted the panel’s struggle in selecting winners for each award due to the exceptional talent and unwavering dedication showcased within the stories of every nominee. The Spirit of Sport (Male) award was eventually claimed by wheelchair basketballer Dexter Goh, a stalwart in the sport for more than two decades, who, at the age of 65, continues to play the sport weekly. Meanwhile, the Spirit of Sport (Female) award honoured boccia player and Paralympian Nurulasyiqah Taha. Despite facing vaccination-related travel restrictions, she persisted in self-training and channelled her disappointment into coaching others in the sport, showcasing resilience and selflessness. Earning the Spirit of Sport (Team) accolade, the Singapore Rollers, a powerchair football team, exhibited remarkable perseverance despite enduring severe health conditions requiring arduous transfers and travel for the sport. They also overcame initial hurdles, including the lack of specialised equipment and suitable locations, to play the sport they love, epitomising resilience in the face of adversity. Recognised as the Coach of the Year (Community), Lanny Kwok, Vice Principal of Cerebral Palsy Alliance Singapore School (West), has been a fervent advocate for boccia for over two decades. Her efforts extend beyond the school, actively promoting boccia to individuals with disabilities in the wider community. Recently, she spearheaded the expansion of a new boccia community programme at Pasir Ris Sports Centre, underscoring her enduring commitment to the sport’s growth and accessibility. The Community Changemaker of the Year award was claimed by Playbuddies, a ground-up initiative launched in 2016, dedicated to providing the joy of sports free to children with disabilities every weekend. This volunteer-driven program introduces a specific sport to participants for four to eight weeks before transitioning to another, fostering a diverse sports experience. The Volunteer of the Year title went to Yeo Jia Chyang, a dedicated senior volunteer at Special Olympics Singapore who has committed weekly to training members with intellectual impairment in swimming, come rain or shine, for more than a decade. Meanwhile, the Event of the Year award recognised Run for Inclusion 2022, organised by grassroot group RunningHour. The event had seen more than 2000 participants of all abilities run side by side at the Singapore Turf Club in December 2022. This year’s awards coincided with the 50th anniversary of the SDSC, which was formed by the then Ministry of Social Affairs in 1973 to promote sports for persons with disabilities in Singapore. Nearly 300 contributors and supporters within the disability sports sector were in attendance at Wednesday’s award ceremony to commemorate the golden jubilee. Notable figures included Mr. Raja Singh, one of the first
[Media Release] Singapore finishes Singapore Para Bowling International 2023 with 2 golds, 8 silvers and 6 bronzes, ending third out of eight countries on the medal table
Team Singapore at the Singapore Para Bowling International 2023 (Photo Credit: Singapore Disability Sports Council / Wee Teck Hian) After a thrilling three-day competition at the Temasek Club from 5 to 7 October 2023, Team Singapore finished third on the medal table for the Singapore Para Bowling International 2023, with a haul of 2 gold, 8 silver, and 6 bronze. Mohamed Ismail Bin Hussain, who competes in the TPB3 visual impairment category, emerged as the star of the Singapore team, contributing to both golds and 2 silvers of the team’s medal haul. Czech Republic ended Singapore’s hold on the second place on the medal table, with an additional 3 golds on the third and final day. Vera Machakova, who competed in the TPB3 visual impairment category, left everyone in awe with an average game score of 188, and a high score of 263 in her first game of the day. The team finished with a total of 4 golds, 1 silver and 1 bronze. Meanwhile, Team Korea demonstrated their unwavering dominance, maintaining their grasp on the first place on the medal table throughout the tournament. Their remarkable achievement included a staggering 15 gold medals, 8 silver and 4 bronze. One standout moment came from Son Dae Ho who competed in the TPB10 physical impairment category and delivered an extraordinary score of 279 in one of his Trios games. About 60 para bowlers from Australia, Czech Republic, China, Philippines, India, Hong Kong China, Republic of Korea and Singapore competed at the Singapore Para Bowling International 2023. Organised by the Singapore Disability Sports Council (SDSC) and the Bowling Association for the Disabled (Singapore) (BADS), the competition marked the third time that Singapore played host to international para bowlers with visual, physical and intellectual impairment. The move came as para tenpin bowling was removed from the list of sports for ASEAN Para Games 2022 and 2023, as well as Asian Para Games 2022, although the sport had been a strong contributor to Team Singapore’s medal tally in the past major games. Nearly 100 students, including preschoolers as young as four years old, took part in learning journeys to the event, where they experienced bowling blindfolded and seated, to simulate the challenges faced by visually and physically impaired bowlers. About 30 children and youth with disabilities also participated in a fun bowling session with their families, alongside the international athletes, this morning. ### Please download full media release from here.
[Media Release] Jeralyn Tan Yee Ting Secures Tearful Gold at Póvoa de Varzim 2023 World Boccia Cup
Above: Jeralyn Tan Yee Ting (left) with coach and competition partner, Yurnita Omar (right) (Image credit: Singapore Disability Sports Council) Singapore boccia player Jeralyn Tan Yee Ting, together with coach and competition partner Yurnita Omar, ended their last game in the BC1 Female Individual event at the Póvoa de Varzim 2023 World Boccia Cup today, with an emotional 4-2 win over current world ranked number one player, Andreza Vitória De Oliveira from Brazil. Jeralyn kicked off her match with a narrow win in Round 1, ending 3-2 against Israel’s Bat-El Brightman-Ha-cohen, which gave her a BYE for Round 2. Bracing herself for Round 3, Jeralyn then pulled a strong margin, winning 9-3 against Spain’s Amagoia Arrieta. The semi-finals turned out to be yet another close shave against Argentina’s Ailen Flores, with a 3-2 win, before Jeralyn entered the finals to face off one of her strongest opponents, De Oliveira, who is currently world ranked number 1 and was World Champion in the BC1 Female Individuals category at the Rio de Janeiro 2022 World Boccia Championships. Digging her heels in, Jeralyn won a beautiful game against De Oliveira, ending 4-2 to snap up the gold. The win marks Jeralyn’s second World Cup title this year, the first at Montreal 2023 World Boccia Cup held in April, but euphoria of the win over the strong De Oliveira was evident. “Flying across the other side of the world to compete and represent and make Singapore proud was our goal, so we are over the moon! The days get tougher each day but we take one ball, one day at a time, and we’d like to thank everyone who has been supporting us,” said Jeralyn and Yurnita, after the win. Jeralyn started playing boccia, a Paralympic sport designed for persons with severe physical impairment, in 2008 as a student at the Cerebral Palsy Alliance Singapore (CPAS) School. Over the years, Jeralyn has represented Singapore at various major games, beginning from the first Asian Para Games held in 2010, and only got her breakthrough in 2021, when she won a gold medal at the Fazza Dubai 2021 World Boccia Asia-Oceania Regional Championships, and secured her first World Championships debut at the Rio de Janeiro 2022 World Boccia Championships. She is currently the only BC1 female national boccia athlete in Singapore. “Many wins are celebrated for that brief moment, but they have taken someone years of dedication to get there. This is the same for any athlete, with or without disability. We hope more people will understand that and come forward to lend a hand to this long, unglamourous but very important journey,” said Kelly Fan, Executive Director of the Singapore Disability Sports Council (SDSC). ### Please download full media release from here.
[Media Release] Singapore Para Bowling International 2023 kicks off, with Singapore finishing second on the medal table on first day
Teams at the Singapore Para Bowling International 2023 (Photo credit: SDSC/Stefanus Ian) About 60 para bowlers from eight countries celebrated the kickoff of the Singapore Para Bowling International 2023 at Temasek Club this morning. The tournament, jointly organised by the Singapore Disability Sports Council (SDSC) and the Bowling Association for the Disabled (Singapore) (BADS), will see para bowlers with visual, physical and intellectual impairment competing over three days from 5 to 7 October. Day one of the tournament saw Team Korea top the medal table, with the completion of the Singles events, followed by Team Singapore and Team Czech Republic. Team Singapore finished the day with 1 gold, 2 silver and 3 bronze medals, with Ismail Hussein snatching the gold in a surprise turn of events after the fourth game, in which he had ended in third place. Australia’s sole athlete, Marilyn Luck, topped the TPB1 (Mixed) Singles event, bringing the country to fourth place on the medal table, despite being the only fully blind bowler at the tournament not using a guide rail. The competition marks the third time that Singapore is playing host to international para bowlers, with the previous editions in 2018 and 2019. Para tenpin bowling has been a strong contributor to Team Singapore’s medal tally in the past major games. At the last Asian Para Games 2018, it contributed a silver and a bronze medal to Team Singapore’s medal tally of 10 medals. At the ASEAN Para Games 2017, the sport contributed 8 medals to Team’s medal tally of 52 medals, including 5 golds, 1 silver and 2 bronzes. “Unfortunately, para tenpin bowling was removed from the list of sports for ASEAN Para Games 2022 and 2023, as well as Asian Para Games 2022. This has had significant consequences on para bowlers around the ASEAN and Asian region, with resources being removed completely or significantly reduced from para athletes who had been training relentlessly in the sport. We, together with BADS, have been finding ways to maintain our team’s training and spirit. These are individuals who have overcome unimaginable barriers to not only participate in sport, but have actually excelled. We needed to step up and find ways for them to continue to shine, and if possible, help other para bowlers who are also facing the same challenges,” said Ms Kelly Fan, Executive Director of SDSC. The sentiment was shared by Team Singapore para bowler, Diane Neo, who was a silver medalist in the TPB4 Female Singles event at the Asian Para Games 2018. “It was sad that the sport was dropped from the major games. I felt a lot less confident when I played my games today. It is good that we have this tournament, and I hope it’s a step to see it being included back into the major games in future.” The tournament also provides a rare opportunity for members of the public to understand the sport of para bowling better. Nearly 100 students, including preschoolers as young as four years old, have signed up for learning journeys to the event, where they will take part in blindfolded and seated bowling, to simulate the challenges faced by visually and physically impaired bowlers. Students from Lighthouse School trying out a game of blind bowling ### Please download full media release from here.
[Media Release] Yip Pin Xiu wins second gold at Manchester 2023 Para Swimming World Championships and defends title as double world champion
Yip Pin Xiu at Manchester 2023 Para Swimming World Championships (Photo credit: Singapore Disability Sports Council/Jon Super/SportsNewsAgency) 5-time Paralympic medalist Yip Pin Xiu claimed her seventh World Championships title at the Manchester 2023 Para Swimming World Championships, yet again leaving her competitors in her wake in the Women’s 50m Backstroke S2 event. The win cemented Yip as double world champion for the third time, winning 2 out of 2 events she had at the World Championships. In her second and final event of the World Championships, Yip touched home in the Women’s 50m Backstroke S2 event with a timing of 1:04.10, 6.76 seconds before Italy’s Angela Procida. Mexico’s Fabiola Ramirez Martinez shortly followed, coming in third place 1.22 seconds after Procida. This marks Yip’s third double world championship titles in the Women’s 50m and 100m Backstroke S2 events, after London 2019 and Madeira 2022. Yip is also currently the world record holder for both events. Though her timings at this World Championship may not be her best, Yip achieved what she had set out to do for this edition, securing a swimming slot for Singapore at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, through her earlier win in the Women’s 100m Backstroke S2 event. Her second victory in the 50m Backstroke event will not earn an additional slot for Singapore, in line with World Para Swimming’s direct qualification rules for the Paris 2024 games. Singapore currently has two slots confirmed for the 2024 Paralympic Games, with one in para archery secured by Nur Syahidah Alim earlier in July at the Pilsen 2023 World Para Archery Championships. Michael Massey, Yip’s coach, expressed his thoughts on their successful outing to Manchester, “The target for this World Championship was to win and secure a qualification slot for the 2024 Paralympic Games. That aside, we made some subtle changes in the final weeks before the competition to land an optimal preparation plan for 2024. Our forward game plan will be to continue developing the aerobic base and fine-tuning our race model to guide our outing to Paris next year.” Taking place over 7 days in Manchester, United Kingdom, from 31 July to 6 August, the Para Swimming World Championships 2023 is one of the exciting races to look forward to this year, with 546 para swimmers from 67 nations vying for one of the 270 direct qualification slots on offer for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. The top two ranked athletes in each individual medal event at the 2023 championships will earn these highly coveted slots for their country. Besides Yip, three other para swimmers from Singapore – Colin Soon Jin Guang, Sophie Soon Jin Wen, and Toh Wei Soong – had qualified and are competing in the 2023 World Championships. ### Please download full media release from here.
[Media Release] Yip Pin Xiu wins gold at Manchester 2023 Para Swimming World Championships and secures first swimming slot for Singapore to Paris 2024 Paralympic Games
Above: Yip Pin Xiu at Manchester 2023 Para Swimming World Championships (Image credit: Singapore Disability Sports Council/Jon Super/SportsNewsAgency) 5-time Paralympic medalist Yip Pin Xiu sealed the first swimming slot for Singapore to the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games with a dominating win in the Women’s 100m Backstroke S2 event at the Manchester 2023 Para Swimming World Championships. Powering with a steady stroke, Yip began pulling distance from her competitors in the first 25 metres and homed in eventually on the win with a timing of 2:17.78, close to 11 seconds before second-placed Angela Procida (Italy). The win guaranteed a slot for Singapore to the 2024 Paralympic Games – the nation’s second after the archery slot secured by Nur Syahidah Alim earlier in July at the Pilsen 2023 World Para Archery Championships. Though this marks the sixth world title for Yip, the seasoned Paralympian shared that it had not been easy for her, entering this year’s World Championships. “I had fallen ill right before the races began, which made me uneasy that I wasn’t ready to give my best, but I knew that I had been training hard, so I relied on mental strategies to trust that I could carry that through. There was a lot of pressure on myself because winning may seem easy and expected of me, but it really isn’t. I don’t take anything for granted and make sure that everything is a deliberate choice, from training, tapering to rest and recovery. It changes every time because every race and cycle is different and I feel different,” Yip confided. “This world title means a lot to me. It’s a reminder that I am not going to sit on my laurels. It’s also amazing that it gives us a shot at the Paralympic Games next year, and I’m ecstatic that we have a checklist of what we need to continue working on. I will focus on getting my body and mind in the best condition to continue doing my best.” Taking place over 7 days in Manchester, United Kingdom, from 31 July to 6 August, the Para Swimming World Championships 2023 is one of the exciting races to look forward to this year, with 546 para swimmers from 67 nations vying for one of the 270 direct qualification slots on offer for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. The top two ranked athletes in each individual medal event at the 2023 championships will earn these highly coveted slots for their country. Besides Yip, three other para swimmers from Singapore – Colin Soon Jin Guang, Sophie Soon Jin Wen, and Toh Wei Soong – had qualified and are competing in the 2023 World Championships. ### Please download full media release from here.
