By Grace Sim/Red Sports
Singapore artistes will take part in the 7th ASEAN Para Games Closing Ceremony. (Photo courtesy of Singapore Sports Council)
Pasir Ris Sports and Recreation Centre, Thursday, January 9, 2014 – Singaporean performers gave a preview of their intended performance for the closing ceremony of the upcoming 7th ASEAN Para Games in Myanmar.
Enjoying the preview was veteran Paralympic swimmer, Theresa Goh. The cheeky 26-year-old may have felt much like a fish out of water being part of the dance recital but she enjoyed the moment.
“It was nice that they included the athletes in the [rehearsal] performance. I’ve never experienced this before to be honest so it was a little out of my comfort zone, but it was all great fun!” Theresa quipped.
“I’d probably be tempted to join (the dance) if I didn’t have to wear a dress,” added Goh with a hearty laugh.
The performers and athletes shared the floor as the group performed to the tune of ‘Treasure Every Moment’ for the final rehearsal on Thursday.
While visually impaired singer Chen Wei Lian belted out a song, wheelchair dancers Gayle Kiew and Lily Tan showed off dexterity and grace as they spun around their dancing companions with ease.
Like many of the Paralympic athletes, their disability did not stop them from pursuing an active lifestyle. Kiew and Tan picked up wheelchair dancing in 2008 and are proud to represent Singapore at the closing ceremony.
The dance performance that showcases our local talents is part of the handover of the ASEAN Games to Singapore during the 7th ASEAN Para Games Closing Ceremony to be held on January 20. The 8th ASEAN Para Games will be held in Singapore for the first time in December 2015.
Mr Lim Teck Yin, SSC chief executive officer and executive committee chairman of the ASEAN Para Games Organising Committee (APGOC), said: “We have in our midst several athletes who did the country proud at the London Paralympics in 2012. They are our sporting heroes and heroines and I am sure they will be looking forward to performing on home soil in front of their supporters in 2015.”
Mr Lim said that disability sport plays an important role in creating an inclusive society and one of the key thrusts of Vision 2030 is to have sports without boundaries.
“Hosting the ASEAN Para Games in Singapore sends a strong signal of our commitment to recognise and celebrate the achievements of these extraordinary athletes. They have overcome many personal challenges and will do their countries proud at the regional level during the Games,” added Mr Lim.
A total of 52 athletes from Singapore will be competing in the 7th ASEAN Para Games. This year, the Republic will take part for the first time in Cerebral Palsy Football. Singapore athletes will also feature in Athletics, Boccia, Swimming and Table Tennis. The Singapore contingent will be setting off for Myanmar on Saturday evening, January 11.
Leave A Comment