Flying the Singapore flag high at the Rio Paralympics 2016

His Excellency Flávio Soares Damico, the Ambassador of the Federative Republic of Brazil to Singapore,  

His Excellency Scott Wightman, British High Commissioner to Singapore,

Mr Andy Milnes, CEO, BP Integrated Supply & Trading, Eastern Hemisphere,

Mr Ho Cheng Kwee, Chef de Mission,

Distinguished guests,

Athletes,

Ladies and gentlemen,

1. Good evening. I'm very happy to be here today, with our Paralympians who are all ready to fly the Singapore flag high in Rio. Congratulations to all of you for qualifying for the Paralympics! 

Pinnacle sporting event for Singapore's para athletes

2. The Paralympics is the pinnacle sporting event for para athletes. It is indeed an extraordinary achievement for you to compete with the best from around the world. I am sure the experienced athletes will have a lot to share with the debutants – how to prepare physically and mentally, how to stay calm and focused under pressure, and how to out-do yourselves on a significant stage like the Paralympics.

3. When I visited the Boccia training session recently, I saw the dedication and resolve of Nurul, Sze Ning and their assistants, training for hours on end.  For debutant Syahidah, archery was only a recreational activity until very recently. Yet, with rugged determination and a passion for the sport, Syahidah won a Gold medal at last year's ASEAN Para Games.  And now she will be going to Rio for the Paralympics. I know all of you are eager to do your best, and to bring glory to Singapore.  More importantly, I hope you will compete in the true spirit of sportsmanship, by being fair, respectful and always striving for excellence.

Safety and well-being our top priority

4. SNPC, SportSG and our Mission colleagues in Brazil are working hard to ensure that you will enjoy a smooth journey and meaningful stay in Rio. I understand you had a briefing earlier, and I hope it has helped to clarify any doubts that you may have. Your safety and well-being are our top concerns, as we want you to focus on your competitions.  Our Brazilian hosts are very warm and hospitable people, and I'm sure they are ready to welcome all of you to Rio.

We are cheering you on as One Team Singapore

5. We want all of you to know that, no matter where you are, you will have our strongest support. We will be cheering you on as One Team Singapore.

6. And no matter the result, every one of you is an inspiration to us. Not only because of what you have achieved in sports, but also how you have overcome the challenges you have faced in life.

7. Once again, I wish you all the very best in Rio.

Conclusion

8. On this note, let me extend my warmest gratitude to BP for kindly sponsoring this event. Thank you for your strong support, not only for SNPC, but also for the Paralympic movement worldwide. I would like to encourage more corporations to join BP towards building a more inclusive and caring society.

9. In fact, at the National Day Parade two days ago, some of our para athletes, including Syahidah, performed with over 150 special needs participants in the NDP's first ever song-signing segment. I took part as well. Many of you were there in the audience as well! This signifies a step towards greater inclusiveness, where everyone, regardless of abilities, can celebrate together as one. 

10. The Government has also launched the Disability Sports Master Plan, to provide more opportunities for persons with disabilities to participate meaningfully in sports. This is part of our long-term vision for Singaporeans of all abilities to enjoy the benefits of sport, and lead a healthy, active lifestyle.

11. I wish you a pleasant evening ahead.  Thank you.