Team Singapore will make history at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games with Singapore’s Ms Nur ’Aini Binte Mohamad Yasli being the Republic’s first representative in Powerlifting at the Paralympic Games. Compatriot Mr Steve Tee Wee Leong, together with pilot Mr Ang Kee Meng, will be Singapore’s first-ever tandem cycling pair to compete at the Paralympic Games.

Mr Muhammad Diroy Bin Noordin will be the flag bearer and lead Team Singapore at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games Opening Ceremony. This will be Diroy’s second appearance at the Paralympic Games.

“I am honoured to be chosen as the flag bearer. Preparations for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games have been demanding, but it is important for me to remain focused and to commit to my training plan. I am looking forward to the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games and am seeking to achieve a personal best,” said Mr Diroy.

A mix of youth and experience to lead the way forward

Singapore’s athletes will take part in six sports, equalling the same number of sports that Team Singapore participated in at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

Singapore’s contingent will see a blend of youth and experience, with veterans Ms Yip Pin Xiu and Ms Laurentia Tan set to make their fourth Paralympics appearance. They will be on hand to provide guidance and valuable advice for debutants Ms Aini, Mr Tee, Mr Toh Wei Soong and Ms Sophie Soon.

According to Dr Teo-Koh Sock Miang, Chairperson, SNPC, this bodes well for Singapore’s aspirations for continued success at major games.

“As we prepare for each Paralympic cycle, succession planning and a sustainable talent pipeline is a key topic of discussion. Four athletes making their debut at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games is a strong indication that our high-performance sport system is robust. It is a proud moment for them and everyone who has supported their journey thus far. I am confident that the contingent will do Singapore proud, inspiring others to pursue sports and follow in their footsteps,” said Dr Teo-Koh.

Health and safety of paramount importance

In consideration of the ongoing COVID-19 health pandemic, Singapore’s contingent will take additional precautions above what has been outlined in the Tokyo 2020 playbooks jointly developed by the International Olympic Committee, the International Paralympic Committee and the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee.

The Singapore contingent will be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and will undergo an additional influenza vaccination. All athletes have been training within a “bubble” to minimise disruptions to their training plans. Athletes will arrive five days before their competition commences, and depart within 48 hours after their competition ends. While in Tokyo, they will adhere to a controlled itinerary, ensuring minimal exposure to risks. The contingent will undergo COVID-19 tests daily.

The contingent will be issued with a travel essentials kit prepared by the Singapore Sport Institute and will contain items such as face masks, sanitisers, anti-microbial spray can, Antigen Rapid Test Self-Test Kits and an exercise mat.

“The health and safety of our contingent is top priority. We are heartened to be working closely with stakeholders such as Sport Singapore, Singapore Disability Sports Council, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and many government agencies, organisations and partners, to ensure that the games go smoothly and the contingent has the support it needs. I extend my deepest appreciation to everyone who has been on this journey with us. The power of the collective coming together lends strength to the contingent and we will do our utmost to ensure a safe experience for all of our athletes as they represent Singapore at the highest level,” said Ms Shirley Low, Chef de Mission.

One Team Singapore 

SNPC has collaborated closely with Sport Singapore, Singapore Disability Sports Council and many other government agencies and corporate organisations such as Tote Board, in the journey to Tokyo.

“Over the past few months, my respect and admiration for our Team Singapore athletes have grown, as I learned more about how they have overcome the challenges, persevered and prevailed. Despite the uncertainties surrounding the Games, our athletes never lost focus. We have many great athletes, and ten of our best will be representing Singapore at the coming Tokyo Paralympics in August. I am very proud of them all, and the team behind them for working tirelessly to realise their goals. We will support you and stand behind you as One Team Singapore!”, said Mr Edwin Tong, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth & Second Minister for Law.

The Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games is scheduled to take place between 24 August to 5 September 2021. This comes after a year of postponement because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Selection for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games will continue until 30 July 2021.

To support our athletes’ journey to the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, donate to us at: https://www.giving.sg/sgparalympics/tokyo2020