Celebrating the achievements of our para athletes

Associate Professor Mohan Menon, Chairman of Singapore National Paralympic Council,

Mr M Lukshumayeh, Vice-Chairman of Singapore National Paralympic Council,

Mr Alukkathara Purushothaman, Secretary General of Singapore National Paralympic Council,

Board Members of Singapore National Paralympic Council,

Athletes and officials, families, friends and sponsors,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

1. I am very happy to be here this evening. I really couldn't help but feel that sense of being home. Why? Because when I look around I see so many familiar faces – people whom I have met, have spoken to in Singapore, in Malaysia, KL, in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar and also in London, UK. At every single occasion, I see our Singaporean para-athletes giving the best of their ability, putting in their body and soul for one simple reason – that is to do Singapore proud. I am truly very proud of all of you!

2. And this evening I am truly honoured and privileged to be able to have the opportunity of coming here to celebrate the achievements of our para athletes. You have done Singapore proud at the 3rd Asian Youth Para Games, which was held last year, and also the 7th ASEAN Para Games held earlier this year.

3. I was there at both Games. Watching our para athletes in action, one could really see their fighting spirit as they overcome all the challenges to compete in the Games. I watched almost all the games in Myanmar and also in Kuala Lumpur and at every game, when I watched our para athletes competing, every moment was an inspiration. So in a recent Parliament speech, I mentioned Jason Chee but I am very happy to be here to this evening so that I can actually mention more names here. People like Theresa, Benson, Nurul, Jason and also team officials like Stefanie. These are the people who worked tirelessly and very quietly at the back and they are the ones who make things happen. So indeed, I would like to take the time to really recognise all of you. And of course SNPC Chairman Associate Professor Mohan Menon, Vice Chairman Mayeh and Secretary General Purush.

4. So as we congratulate our athletes for their outstanding achievements, we should also remember the support provided behind-the-scenes – by parents, caregivers, coaches, volunteers and also the sports science specialists. To all of you, I want to say that you have been instrumental in our athletes performing well on the regional stage. So I would to thank you for your relentless commitment and also the sacrifices you've made for our para athletes.

5. And also, not forgetting our sponsors who have made a lot of things happen. Going forward, I will join you in your dream, and hope that they will be able to reconsider how to better support our para athletes, how to better recognise them by reviewing the quantum. This recognition is a significant mark for our para athletes and also very useful and crucial support for the family members, for them to travel overseas with their loved ones, support them from the sidelines when they ride on a rollercoaster journey, ups and downs, during the Games. It is indeed not easy. I was there watching Jason competing against someone who is much more able-bodied and that was really a rollercoaster ride. And not to mention our football team at the finals. Every time when we came close to scoring a goal, my heart almost jumped out of my mouth – I had to quickly run forward, catch my heart and put it back in – otherwise I would be speaking without heart. But these are the moments that really spur our athletes, encourage our supporters and caregivers to give of their best. So I really appreciate our sponsors for giving a lot of strong support to them. I certainly hope that many more such support will be given to our athletes.

6. I also want to stress that not only the sponsors, the coaches, the SNPC are behind all our athletes. The Government is also behind you. So we will continue to support para athletes with coaching, overseas competitions, sports medicine and sports science. Last year, we awarded the Sports Excellence (SpEx) Scholarship to seven para athletes, including equestrian, bowling and boccia athletes. Certainly, I look forward to the time when we are able to give more scholarships to more para athletes so that you will be able to train, to compete without financial worry.

7. With support from all around, we hope our athletes will be able to train with greater certainty, and compete knowing the country is behind you. So the theme for next year's ASEAN Para Games is “Celebrate the Extraordinary”. So indeed, the journey that our para athletes have been through is anything but ordinary. Your personal stories, about the challenges and triumphs at the Games, continue to inspire all of us. And I hope that you will continue to persevere, to push on, and fly our country's flag high.

8. I just want to end off by sharing my personal anecdotes. When I attended the 7th ASEAN Para Games earlier this year in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, I had the privilege and honour of having lunch with our para athletes at the Games Village. So I had a wonderful time interacting with them. The spirit that they showed me is nothing but just inspiring. At the end of the lunch, I was asked to write something on the message wall and I wrote an intuitive reflection of my understanding and appreciation of what our para athletes have gone through. So I just simply wrote “If you think you can, you can!” This is a really good example of how our para athletes really, truly believe in themselves - because they think they can and therefore they don the national costume to represent Singapore and do something good and inspiring, not just to prove their ability but also to inspire a nation, inspire a generation. So with this, I just want to conclude by saying to all our para athletes: “Well done for your remarkable achievements” and to your coaches, your family members, your caregivers, you are indeed the unsung heroes that have made all this happen. And for the Government and also for the sponsors, we have our work cut out for us, we have a lot to do to find new ways and means to give better support to all of you so that together we can fly the Singapore flag high at next year's 8th ASEAN Para Games. Thank you.