[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] Aloysius Gan and Nurulasyiqah Mohd Taha win first-ever World Cup pairs medal for Singapore
Singapore’s Aloysius Gan and Nurulasyiqah Mohd Taha clinched the nation’s first-ever World Cup pairs medal at the New Taipei City 2024 World Boccia Cup yesterday, with a decisive 6-0 win in the bronze medal match against Thailand, currently world ranked number four in the Pairs BC3 category. Thailand was represented by Ladamanee Kla-han and Akkadej Choochuenklin, who are ranked world number 7 in Female Individuals BC3 and world number 10 in Male Individuals BC3 respectively. This achievement comes despite a shaky start to the duo’s Mixed Pairs BC3 campaign on Monday when they faced off world number three, South Korea, and suffered a 10-0 defeat. South Korea was represented by Jeong Ho Won and Kang Sun Hee, the Asian Para Games 2023 Mixed Pairs BC3 gold medalists. Jeong himself has been quite the legend in the Pairs BC3 category, having medalled at every edition of the Paralympic Games since Beijing 2008. This is the first time that Aloysius and Nurulasyiqah have teamed up for an international competition. The pair recovered their composure fairly quickly to beat Japan’s Kazuki Takahashi and Syaka Sekine 5-3 in the next round. Kazuki was part of the team that won the silver medal in the Mixed Pairs BC3 competition at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. In a nail-biting semifinal match against the world number one team, Australia, the pair equaled the score 4-4. Australia, represented by Daniel Michel and Jamieson Leeson, eventually won in the tiebreaker round. Both Daniel and Jamieson are set to compete in Paris 2024. Daniel, currently ranked number one in the world in the Male Individuals BC3 category, is considered the biggest threat to Adam Peska, the Tokyo 2020 Male Individuals BC3 gold medalist, in his title defense. Earlier on Monday, Aloysius won his first World Cup medal—a silver—after a narrow 3-2 loss to South Korea’s Jeong Ho Won in the Male Individuals BC3 finals. Aloysius shared: “This is the best result I have achieved so far at the World Cup level for the individual event. I have been working hard to improve my floor adjustment and aiming before the competition, and I’m glad that I also managed to adapt to the competition environment better, which helped me play better.” Aloysius is currently ranked number 15 in the world in the Male Individuals BC3 category, while Nurulasyiqah is ranked number 18 in the Female Individuals BC3 category. Ms. Kelly Fan, Executive Director of the Singapore Disability Sports Council (SDSC), commented, “Although the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games have yet to begin, we need to prepare for the end of this Paralympic cycle and start planning for the next one. Our para athletes and support teams work tirelessly to qualify and represent Singapore well at every major game. Currently, we are testing different strategies to find the best way forward, even as we focus on the final preparations with our Paris-bound para athletes. The results from this competition have been very encouraging, and we will have valuable takeaways to build on in the coming years towards Los Angeles 2028.” The New Taipei City 2024 World Boccia Cup, the final World Boccia competition before Paris 2024, is taking place from July 23 to August 1, 2024. ### Please download the full release here.
[Media Release] TEAM SINGAPORE WRAPS UP FINAL DAY OF THE CITI PARA SWIMMING WORLD SERIES SINGAPORE 2024 WITH FOUR MEDALS WON ON FIRST AND SECOND DAYS
The third and final day of the Citi Para Swimming World Series Singapore 2024 saw a spectacular home crowd cheering Team Singapore para swimmers on in their last bid to bring back more medals to the Republic’s tally. A rousing start to the day’s heats saw three Team Singapore para swimmers headed to the finals – Yip Pin Xiu in the Women’s 100m Backstroke Multi-class event, Danielle Moi in the Women’s 100m Butterfly Multi-class event, and Toh Wei Soong in the Men’s 50m Freestyle Multi-class event. Yip kicked off the bid as the finals opened with the Women’s 100m Backstroke Multi-Class event. The home crowd went wild as Yip neared the last stretch to the finish line, with points trickling down as the time passed. A difference of 11 points eventually cost Yip a final finish at the podium on the last day of the Singapore series, as she ended the race with 790 points, narrowly behind New Zealand’s Tupou Neiufi who earned 801 points. 23-year-old Tupou Neiufi won New Zealand’s first gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games in the Women’s 100m Backstroke S8 event. “I’m glad that I cut off two seconds from the heats, but there’s also more to work on, such as my aerobic capacity so that I can hold the speed of the second 50m coming back. But all in all, it was extremely nice to race in front of the home crowd again,” shared Yip. Toh Wei Soong, who had earlier contributed two medals – a gold and a bronze – to the Republic’s tally on the first day of the Singapore series, went up next in the Men’s 50m Freestyle Multi-class event, and finished sixth with 878 points. In her third A finals in this World Series — the Women’s 100m Butterfly Multi-class event, Danielle Moi finished 7th with 691 points. The event was won by Hong Kong China’s Chan Yui Lam, who came in 4th in the Women’s 100m Butterfly S14 event at Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. Team Hong Kong China also made their strong presence felt with 14-year-old Ng Cheuk Yan scooping up yet another bronze medal in the Women’s 200m Individual Medley Multi-class event, after a gold yesterday in the Women’s 100m Breaststroke Multi-class event. In August 2023, Ng became Hong Kong’s youngest medalist ever at the World Para Swimming Championships, with a silver podium win in the Women’s 100m Breaststroke SB6 event, earning a slot for Hong Kong at Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Ng is the youngest competitor at the 2024 Singapore series. “I’m happy because it’s my personal best. And I still have room to improve,” she said. “I will try to improve my starting and turning and strokes to prepare for Paris.” She will take part in the 100m Breaststroke SB6, 200m Individual Medley SM6 and 100m Backstroke S6 events at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Uzbekistan’s Egor Bolotov beat his own Asian Record of 59.66 set in last year’s World Series in Singapore in the Men’s 100m Backstroke S13 category in today’s final, by swimming a time of 59.60, and earning 878 points. Keiichi Kimura, who debuted in his first Paralympic Games in Beijing 2008, has consistently climbed the podium since London 2012. From a bronze in 2012, a silver in Rio 2016 to a gold in 2021 in Tokyo 2020 in the Men’s 100m Butterfly S8 event, Keichii entered the finals of the Men’s 100m Butterfly Multi-Class event in fourth placing, 41 points behind Uchu Tomita, whom he had beaten in Tokyo 2021 to the gold finish. He managed to clinch a Bronze in the finals with 848 points, after finishing behind Korea’s Inkook Lee, who was the gold medalist in the Men’s 100m Backstroke S14 event in Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, and fellow Japanese Uchu Tomita. The duo has earned 926 and 868 points respectively. Kimura said: “From this competition, my swim techniques and skills were not so good so I need to look at that again for my preparation. I’m not satisfied but it’s a good simulation for Paris because it’s the last international meet before Paris for Team Japan.” He will be swimming for the 50m Freestyle S11 event and 100m Butterfly S11 event in the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. The World Para Swimming Series uses the Multi-Class Point System (MCPS) where each swimmer’s result is compared to the world record for their specific sport class and awarded points. The closer the performance is to the relevant record, the higher the points. Team Singapore wraps up this series with four medals – one gold and one bronze by Toh Wei Soong, one silver and one bronze by Yip Pin Xiu, one National Record set by Wong Zhi Wei, and 15 Personal Bests from 13 swimmers. Day 3 Notable Results at Citi Para Swimming World Series Singapore 2024 (19 May 2024) ### Please download the full release here.
[Media Release] YIP PIN XIU WINS SECOND MEDAL FOR TEAM SINGAPORE WHILE JAPAN’S AYANO TSUJIUCHI AND KAZAKHSTAN’S NURDAULET ZHUMAGALI BREAK THREE ASIAN RECORDS
Yip Pin Xiu, who won a bronze medal on the opening day of the Citi Para Swimming World Series Singapore 2024, added another silver to her tally in the Women’s 50m Backstroke Multiclass event on the second day of the competition. She finished with a time of 1:04.89, earning 853 World Para Swimming Points. Philippines’ Angel Mae Otom won the gold medal with 914 points and Japan’s Maori Yui took bronze with 521 points. This is her fastest timing for the 50m Backstroke S2 event so far this year, beating her time of 1:05.14 in the Madeira 2024 Para Swimming European Open Championships and 1:06.37 at the Citi Para Swimming World Series Australia 2024. She still holds the 50m Backstroke S2 world record set in the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, where she clocked a time of 0:59.38. “The 50m backstroke is one of my events in Paris. My time was pretty similar to what I did in Madeira, so my coach and I were happy. It was an amazing atmosphere and it was a really nice swim,” shared Yip. Yip will compete in her last event, the 100m Backstroke, at the Citi Para Swimming World Series Singapore 2024 on 19th May. Three Asian records were broken, two by Japan’s Ayano Tsujiuchi and one by Kazakhstan’s Nurdaulet Zhumagali today. Ayano, who started her first para swimming competition in 2017 after she was diagnosed with progressive macular dystrophy, broke the 400m Freestyle S12 Asian Record with a time of 5:01.43 in the heats. The previous record of 5:31.26 was held by Chinese Taipei’s Hu Hsin-Chung, and had stood since 2002. Ayano broke the record again in the finals with a time of 5:00.89. Kazakhstan’s Zhumagali, who was a bronze medalist at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, broke the 100m Breaststroke SB12 Asian Record set in 2018 by fellow Kazakhstani Anuar Akhmetov during today’s Men’s 100m Breaststroke heats with a time of 1:06.17. The World Para Swimming Series uses the Multi-Class Point System (MCPS) where each swimmer’s result is compared to the world record for their specific sport class and awarded points. The closer the performance is to the relevant record, the higher the points. The 2024 World Series takes place in 9 countries and Singapore is the only Asian stop, and it’s organised by the Singapore Disability Sports Council (SDSC). This is the third time Singapore has hosted the event. The last day to catch the action in the pool will be on 19 May, Sunday. Tickets are on sale on SISTIC: https://www.sistic.com.sg/events/citipara0524. Day 2 Notable Results at Citi Para Swimming World Series Singapore 2024 (17 May 2024): ### Please download the full release here.
[Media Release] TEAM SINGAPORE KICKS OFF FIRST DAY OF CITI PARA SWIMMING WORLD SERIES SINGAPORE 2024 WITH MEDAL WINS BY TOH AND YIP
Team Singapore swimmers are off to a great start at the Citi Para Swimming World Series Singapore 2024, with a gold medal from Toh Wei Soong in the Men’s 50m Butterfly Multi-Class event, up from second place in the same event last year. He also won a Bronze medal in the Men’s 100m Freestyle Multi-Class event. Yip Pin Xiu won the Bronze medal in the Women’s 100m Freestyle Multi-Class event. Yip said: “I’m happy with the timing. I did a faster time in the finals than I did in the heats, even though it’s not as fast as what I did in Madeira. It’s a good start for the cycle and we are looking forward to improving in the next 15 weeks before the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.” After the 100m Freestyle, Toh swam the 50m Butterfly, and finished with a time of 31.18s, earning 919 World Para Swimming points, beating Japan’s Kaede Hinata and Kazakhstan’s Siyazbek Daliyev who scored 884 and 843 points respectively. Loud cheers echoed through the OCBC Aquatic Centre as Toh raced towards the finish line for his 50m Butterfly event and secured Singapore’s first gold medal in this home edition. “Before this meet, I went to Japan for two and a half weeks, and trained at one of the national training centres at Nagano. It’s a high altitude facility, with a top notch pool. It was a great way to prepare myself for this meet to gain that confidence going into the final months for Paris,” said Toh. He added: “I feel really good about the swims today, with two back-to-back events. I’m excited for tomorrow.” The World Para Swimming Series uses the Multi-Class Point System (MCPS) where each swimmer’s result is compared to the world record for their specific sport class and awarded points. The closer the performance is to the relevant record, the higher the points. The 2024 World Series takes place in 9 countries and Singapore is the only Asian stop, and it’s organised by the Singapore Disability Sports Council (SDSC). This is the third time Singapore has hosted the event. The action in the pool will continue on 18 to 19 May, Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are on sale on SISTIC: https://www.sistic.com.sg/events/citipara0524. Day 1 Notable Results at Citi Para Swimming World Series Singapore 2024 (17 May 2024) ### Please download the full release here.
[Media Release] Golds for all at Pajulahti World Boccia Challenger 2024
Ten years after her gold medal at the 2014 Montreal Boccia World Open, Nurulasyiqah Mohd Taha once again claimed the top podium spot at an international competition – this time at the Pajulahti World Boccia Challenger 2024 held in Finland from 9 to 17 May 2024. After a 10-1 win against Saudi Arabia’s Lujain Althaqfi and 7-1 win against Denmark’s Tanija Madsen, Nurulasyiqah earned a BYE in the third round to enter the semi-finals. She won 5-3 against Italy’s Giulia Marchisio, before taking 6-2 against Germany’s Nancy Poser to seal her gold medal win in the BC3 Female Individuals event. This was a sweet victory marking her 20th year in boccia, but also a fresh start for Nurulasyiqah who only returned to the international scene in late 2023, after close to 3 years’ break from the international circuit due to COVID-19 measures. This win is especially significant as it marks Nurulasyiqah’s 20th year in boccia and her return to the international scene in late 2023 after nearly three years away due to COVID-19 restrictions. Despite a scare early in the competition when her motorised wheelchair’s battery charger malfunctioned, compatriot and fellow competitor in the BC3 female individuals event Toh Sze Ning lent her a replacement, allowing Nurulasyiqah to continue her competition. Nurul shared, “I’m so grateful for the people who have patiently stood and stuck by me, especially during my “gap” years of 2020-2023. A new chapter is being written and I’m only looking forward. Thank you, Sze Ning, for extending to me a “lifeline”!” While Toh did not podium in the BC3 Female Individuals event, she and Aloysius Gan Kai Hong dominated in the BC3 Mixed Pairs event. They won 7-1 against Finland, received a bye in Round 2, and triumphed 8-0 against Saudi Arabia. In the semi-finals, they beat Germany 6-2 and clinched the gold with a convincing 9-0 win against Italy. This achievement adds to Team Singapore’s remarkable success in boccia this month, following Jeralyn Tan Yee Ting’s gold in the BC1 Female Individual event at the 2024 Montreal World Boccia Cup on May 6. Ms. Kelly Fan, Executive Director of the Singapore Disability Sports Council (SDSC), commented, “These wins are tremendous confidence boosts for our boccia team, who have trained very hard despite the sport’s limited accessibility in Singapore and our coaches being non-full-time. This success wouldn’t be possible without the support of our partners, Sport Singapore and Haw Par Corporation, as well as our dedicated volunteers and community.” ### Please download the full release here.
[Media Release] Record number of medals to be vied for at the Citi Para Swimming World Series 2024 Singapore
Third edition held in Singapore would feature Singapore’s first youth finals, where youth aged 18 and below would be able to compete separately for additional medals, as a boost for the development of youth para swimmers. It also features the global debut for the “Swim Together” workshop, a coaching curriculum introduced by World Para Swimming to improve the base of para swimming proficient coaches worldwide. Toyota maintains its strong support as main organising committee sponsor for the Singapore edition, for the second consecutive year. The Citi Para Swimming World Series returns to Singapore this year with over 120 high performing and developmental para swimmers from around the globe set to participate in the OCBC Aquatic Centre from 17 to 19 May. Organised by the Singapore Disability Sports Council (SDSC), this is the third time Singapore is hosting this prestigious competition in the para swimming calendar. Singapore has remained the only Asian leg of the World Series throughout the three editions, which travels to 9 countries in 2024. The 2024 edition in Singapore will include the global debut of the “Swim Together” workshop, which introduces a coaching curriculum designed by World Para Swimming (WPS) to equip more swim instructors with the skills to teach swimming to persons with disabilities and learn key water safety skills. Five Singaporean instructors have been trained as the first to deliver this curriculum. Head of World Para Swimming, Mr Craig Nicholson, said: “World Para Swimming is really pleased to host the first Swim Together training in Singapore. There is a real focus to develop the sport in Singapore at all levels from grassroots to performance, so there’s no better place to launch the programme.” “I hope the training will provide the participants with the skills and information to be able to take the Swim Together programme into their day to day swimming teaching and coaching, helping them to inspire others and make para swimming more accessible in Singapore.” About 15 local swim coaches are participating in this first workshop. The SDSC hopes to work with these swim coaches and their clubs to broaden the entry points for individuals with disabilities to pick up swimming skills. Executive Director of Singapore Disability Sports Council, Ms Kelly Fan, said: “Over the past 50 years, we have developed a successful model for para swimming performance in Singapore, but we cannot become complacent if we want more individuals with disabilities to achieve excellence like Pin Xiu. Performance strategies alone are not enough; our success roadmap is continuously updated and spans the entire journey from learn-to-swim programs to high performance. We have expanded from a single central training squad to multiple development centres where our para swimmers can thrive. We are now seeking more partners to expand our learn-to-swim entry points. This would be crucial for us to support individuals with different abilities to succeed in various ways.” To support youth development, SDSC will also be introducing youth finals for the first time in the Singapore edition. Youth para swimmers aged 18 and below would be able to qualify and compete separately for additional youth medals, on top of the open finals. Team Singapore youth para swimmer, 15-year-old Robby Yeo, who would be competing in her second World Series, would be looking to qualify for the youth finals. While youth and coach development initiatives are being introduced to enhance the impact of the World Series, high performance remains the core focus of the event. The Citi Para Swimming World Series Singapore 2024 is one of the last chances for swimmers to clock qualifying times for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Spectators can look forward to witnessing top para athletes in action, including Japan’s Takayuki Suzuki and Keiichi Kimura, Hong Kong’s Chan Yui-lam, and Spain’s Teresa Perales. Two-time Paralympic gold medalist, Takayuki Suzuki, said: “It is a remarkable opportunity, especially for Asian swimmers, to experience international competitions and check how their training is progressing towards the Paris Paralympic Games with fewer time differences.” “I have a target time for each event in which I swim this time and I’ll try to reach it. The results of this competition will push me to train hard for the Paris Paralympic Games in the next few months,” he added. 13 Team Singapore para swimmers are set to compete on home ground. Local fans can cheer on Paralympians Yip Pin Xiu, Toh Wei Soong and Sophie Soon, as well as ASEAN Para Games medalists Colin Soon, Wong Zhi Wei, Danielle Moi, Darren Chan and Benson Tan. Nicholas Hee, who is a Special Olympics World Games gold medallist, will also join Team Singapore in his international debut at the World Series. Having just won 2 golds at the Madeira 2024 Para Swimming European Open Championships for Women’s 50m and 100m Backstroke S2 events, Yip Pin Xiu returns strong to compete in Singapore. “I’m really excited to be competing in the World Series in Singapore. We did it last year as well, and the atmosphere was really good and exciting with the home crowd cheering,” shared Yip. Yip broke the 200m Free S2 world record in her first event at the Singapore World Series last year. SDSC’s Para Swimming Performance Director and Lead Coach Mick Massey said: “Competing at our own World Series event is hugely important for our local athletes because it’s the one meet in the year where we don’t have to travel. We can stay in our time zone and this is the best type of preparation for any meet, really. It is also the only one meet in the year where we can bring all of the swimmers together, from development right through to high performance, on the international stage. This is the meet where the swimmers’ parents can attend and I’m sure that will make everyone want to do very well.” Toyota Motor Asia continues to be the main sponsor of the Singapore leg for the second consecutive year, and for the third time since 2019. Mr Preston Tan, Vice President of Toyota
[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
