Team Singapore Para athletes won a total of 26 medals from the recent ASEAN Para Games in Myanmar, and they were given a hero's welcome at the Changi Airport by well wishers, family and friends on 21 January.
Justinian Chua, Chef De Mission of the games led the contingent out of arrival hall. Jason Chee, Yip Pin Xiu, Theresa Goh and the cerebral palsy football team were some of the Para athletes that were spotted amongst the returning contingent.
Goh, a swimmer who had won numerous medals for Singapore, slung a total of three gold medals round her neck, and was beaming as she wheeled out of the arrival belt. The cerebral palsy football team won a silver medal at the games. Chee bagged a bronze medal at table tennis.
“This is my first time in the games and I am very happy to have won a bronze medal. I’ll continue to work hard for the next ASEAN Para games,” said Chee.
Tan Chuan Jin, Acting Manpower Minister, delivered a short thank you speech at the reception commending the athletes for their perseverance and doing the nation proud despite facing everyday challenges.
Justinian Chua said: “I work very closely with them and they know me well too. I believe in their abilities to overcome challenges as well as putting in countless hardwork during trainings. Also, the home crowd support at the next games would mean a huge boost to their performance. We’ll be looking forward to win more medals!”
As the reception came to a close, the contingent, together with the minister and caregivers of the athletes, gathered for a group photo and chanted “Go Singapore!”
These special athletes will embark on a new phase of training next week to prepare for the 2015 SEA Games, and would be looking forward to do the nation proud on home soil once again.
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