Days to Go!
Singapore, 24 May 2025 – The Singapore Disability Sports Council (SDSC) and World Para Swimming (WPS) announced today that Toyota Motor Asia has stepped up as headline sponsor of the World Para Swimming Championships, which will be held in Singapore from 21 to 27 September 2025.
The announcement, shared at the 100-day countdown celebration to the World Championships, marked a significant partnership milestone between SDSC, WPS and Toyota Motor Asia. This is Toyota Motor Asia’s first title sponsorship of the World Para Swimming Championships, reflecting its ongoing commitment to promoting inclusivity and accessibility through sport. Toyota Motor Asia had previously partnered the SDSC to host the Singapore leg of the Para Swimming World Series in 2019, 2023 and 2024.
“Para athletes inspire us with their extraordinary resilience, talent, and determination – and that drives our continued support for inclusive sports,” said Preston Tan, Vice President, Toyota Motor Asia. “As a regional office, Toyota Motor Asia, has been supporting the sports community for years. Our involvement in the Toyota World Para Swimming Championships – Singapore 2025 reflects our continued commitment to uplifting the community and championing the Para movement and athletes.”
Toyota has long championed Para athletes, striving to create a more equitable and inclusive society through mobility solutions and sport. Globally, Toyota has supported more than 200 able-bodied and para athletes, reinforcing its long-standing commitment towards “Mobility for All”.
“The World Para Swimming Championships is the most important event in our sport and a powerful platform to promote inclusion and empower persons with disabilities at local, regional and global levels. Toyota has a long history of support for Para sport and a strong commitment to advance inclusion on a global scale. We are thrilled to welcome Toyota Motor Asia as the title partner of Singapore 2025,” said Craig Nicholson, Head of World Para Swimming.
The SDSC also launched SG60 SwimTogether Singapore as part of the celebratory event today at Delta Swimming Complex. The launch event featured a 100-lap commemorative swim, powered by 60 unique individuals, symbolising Singaporeans moving forward together in unity. The diverse group of swimmers included Paralympian Theresa Goh, Olympian Mark Chay, Team Singapore Para swimmer Wong Zhi Wei, Team Singapore swimmer Amanda Lim, young Para swimmers, swimmers with high support needs, Para swimming coaches, corporate partners, and representatives from different disability groups, and seniors.
The swim was flagged off by Guest of Honour, Mr David Neo, Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth.
The SG60 SwimTogether Singapore is a legacy campaign of the World Championships, designed to encourage Singaporeans of all abilities to swim together, and use swimming as a sport to uplift lives. Running from 24 May to 31 August 2025, the campaign invites the public to clock swim laps at participating pools across Singapore, through both centralised and remote activations.
Participants at the launch included 11-year-old Muhammad Hariz Bin Sanusi, who has spinal bifida. Hariz completed an assisted lap for the campaign, having only recently learnt to swim through SDSC’s support to his school. A specialised coach was engaged by the SDSC to support Hariz to learn swimming while his classmates went through the national SwimSafer programme. The SDSC also provided specialised transport for Hariz, a wheelchair user, to travel to the swimming pool, while his classmates used regular buses.
Upon completing his lap, Hariz shared: “It feels fun and exciting—like you’re in space, floating and you can do anything.”
Another participant in the commemorative swim was Loh Jia Wei, 29, a public sector lawyer, who last stepped into a swimming pool at the age of four. Diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, a genetic condition that causes progressive muscle weakness, that last swim ended with a cold, and she has stayed away from the water ever since.
Now, Jia Wei is taking on the SG60 SwimTogether Singapore campaign as an opportunity to reconnect with swimming in a meaningful way. With SDSC extending the help of a heated pool, a dedicated coach, and a physiotherapist, Jia Wei is navigating the water once more—this time with a newfound sense of freedom.
“It felt very surreal and liberating to be moving about using my limbs,” she shared. “Each swim lesson was a good workout for me.”
At the launch event, a video was played of Jia Wei completing her lap — a milestone that once felt far out of reach. “I hope my participation inspires other persons with disabilities to step out of their comfort zone and try a sport,” said Jia Wei. “I hope it also inspires people to reach out and forge friendships, regardless of physical ability.”
“Both Toyota’s steadfast support and the SG60 SwimTogether Singapore campaign reflect the spirit of unity and progress. As we celebrate Singapore’s 60th birthday and the World Para Swimming Championships, I invite all Singaporeans and companies to join us – partner us, participate in SwimTogether, and cheer on our Para swimmers. Together, we can be a powerful movement towards inclusivity,” said Dr Teo-Koh Sock Miang, President of SDSC and Co-Chair of the World Para Swimming Championship Steering Committee.
Craig Nicholson, Head of World Para Swimming, added: “The 100 days to go celebration also marks the launch of a campaign that showcases a significant legacy of this year’s World Championships. SwimTogether builds up on an initiative introduced by World Para Swimming to expand access to swim-safe education, particularly for persons with disabilities.”
The Toyota World Para Swimming Championships – Singapore 2025 will take place from 21 to 27 September 2025 at the OCBC Aquatic Centre. It is the first time Asia is hosting this prestigious event, and the SG60 SwimTogether Singapore campaign serves as a meaningful lead-up, placing everyday Singaporeans at the heart of this historic event.
“To me, the SG60 SwimTogether Singapore campaign represents the strides Singapore and disability sports have taken but it also shows how much further we can go,” shared Paralympian Theresa Goh. “I’m grateful to still be part of this sport and to be able to give back in whatever way I can.”
For those who wish to participate in SG60 SwimTogether Singapore, more information can be found on SDSC’s website: bit.ly/swimtgtsdsc.
From left to right: Ah Dot mascot, Paralympic boccia player Nurulasyiqah Taha, Team Singapore Para swimmer Wong Zhi Wei, Team Singapore Para swimmer Robbie Yeo, Paralympic medallist Theresa Goh, SDSC Executive Director Kelly Fan and Team Singapore Para swimmer Jazlene Tan. Credit: SDSC
World Para Swimming (WPS) and the Singapore Disability Sports Council (SDSC) have unveiled the official logo and mascot for the Singapore 2025 World Para Swimming Championships, set to take place in Singapore from 21 to 27 September 2025.
The logo, featuring a little red dot surrounded by ripples, embodies Singapore’s remarkable journey from a small nation to a symbol of progress on the global stage. The red dot also symbolises Singapore as the centre stage for Para swimmers converging for the World Championships, while the ripples reflect how their unstoppable spirit can create waves of inspiration. The logo serves as a powerful reminder to rise above challenges, push boundaries, and strive for greatness.
The mascot, fondly named “Ah Dot,” is also inspired by Singapore’s iconic “Little Red Dot” identity. Ah Dot represents adaptability, resilience and growth. The ripples emanating from Ah Dot reflect the waves of change inspired by Para athletes, as their triumphs motivate others to overcome challenges.
In Singapore, the prefix “Ah” is a colloquial term used affectionately in informal settings to address someone or something. Rooted in local Chinese dialects, it evokes a sense of warmth, familiarity, and endearment, reflecting Singapore’s multicultural and inclusive identity.
The name “Ah Dot” weaves cultural relevance with an emotional connection, making the mascot relatable and memorable for Singaporeans, and those that Singapore welcomes to its shores. It invites everyone to celebrate and support Para athletes as they create ripples of change.
Both the logo and mascot were thoughtfully crafted in collaboration with local creative studio Studio Ensemble, highlighting the power of local talent in shaping this prestigious international event.
“Through this logo and mascot, we hope to encourage the Singaporean and global community to embrace the stories of our Para athletes and the values they represent – courage, determination, inspiration and equality.” said Kelly Fan, Executive Director of the SDSC.
The SDSC announced in February 2024 that Singapore would host the 12th edition of the World Para Swimming Championships. This highly anticipated event, regarded as the pinnacle of Para swimming outside the Paralympic Games, will be held at the OCBC Aquatic Centre. Notably, this will be the first time that the Championships will be hosted in Asia.
Singapore will also make history as the first country to host both the World Para Swimming Championships and the World Aquatics Championships in the same year. Both are signature events of the SG60 celebrations.
Visitors to SDSC’s first disability sports roadshow of the year at the Istana Open House today caught their first glimpse of the Singapore 2025 World Para Swimming Championships logo and mascot.
At the roadshow, members of the public learned about the history of disability sports in Singapore, and celebrated the achievements of its changemakers. Attendees also had the chance to try out disability sports, and purchase exclusive merchandise of the Championships.
Ticket sales for the Championships were also officially launched today, with an early bird promotion running until 31 March 2025.
“The launch of the logo and mascot for the Singapore 2025 World Para Swimming Championships mark an exciting milestone as we open ticket sales and invite fans from around the world to witness the best Para swimmers on the planet in action. Singapore 2025 will leave an important legacy to our sport as the first World Championships to take place in Asia and we are thrilled to be partnering with SDSC on this journey,” said Craig Nicholson, Head of World Para Swimming.
The public is invited to learn more about the Singapore 2025 World Para Swimming Championships by visiting the official website at bit.ly/sdscwpsc2025. Supporters can start to play a part by downloading the official logo animation from the Championships website and create their “Little Red Dot” reels. Ticket sales are also available from the website.
Link to Istana Open House photos (available on 2 Feb 2025)
Link to Singapore 2025 World Para Swimming Championships visuals
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 aquatics athletes and immersing in the event festivities,” said Alan Goh, Co-Chair of the Steering Committee for the Singapore 2025 World Para Swimming Championships.
Paralympian Yip Pin Xiu added, “I never imagined that we would one day get to showcase Para swimming to this level in Singapore. To know that it would happen at a world-class pool, with the top Para swimmers in the world competing right here on our little island, feels truly surreal. It not only shows that Singapore has taken concrete strides towards promoting inclusivity over the years but has received the confidence to play a leading role in the global landscape. I hope that more Singaporeans and organisations will take up the opportunity to watch the Para swimmers at the World Championships and find ways to be a part of this. Together we can understand how sports, and respect, can help to transform our stories as individuals and as a community.”
Emphasising the sense of community, Para swimmers, athletes from diverse sports, coaches, officials, and parents joyously marked the announcement with a traditional ‘lo hei’—a cherished Singaporean dish during the Lunar New Year that symbolises the act of “tossing for good fortune.” This heartwarming gesture was a collective wish for success in the upcoming World Championships.
Singapore has successfully hosted international Para swimming events in recent years, in particular the Citi Para Swimming World Series in both 2019 and 2023. It remains the sole Asian destination on the tour in 2024. The biennial World Para Swimming Championships, most recently hosted in 2023 in Manchester, United Kingdom, is anticipated to draw approximately 600 elite Para swimmers from over 60 nations to the vibrant garden city.