SINGAPORE: The achievements of Singapore’s Paralympians at Rio 2016 were recognised in Parliament on Monday (Nov 7), as the House moved a motion to congratulate them.
Singapore’s para-athletes put up their best Games showing at the Olympic Games in Rio, with swimmer Yip Pin Xiu winning two gold medals in the S2 50m and 100m backstroke, and teammate Theresa Goh taking bronze in the SB4 100m breaststroke.
The 13-strong team of Paralympians was invited to attend the Parliament sitting on Monday.
Speaking in Parliament on Monday, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Grace Fu said their “incredible feats” in Rio have “uplifted the nation”.
“These 13 extraordinary athletes have shown us that with hard work and sacrifice, we can realise our dreams. Their achievements also exemplify how a nation as small as ours can punch above its weight,” she said
The minister also paid tribute to the athletes’ caregivers, coaches and families, as well as officials from the Singapore Disability Sports Council, Singapore National Paralympic Council and Singapore Sports Institute for their “tireless contributions”.
Ms Fu said it was heartening to see the outpouring of pride and appreciation from Singaporeans, who turned up at the airport to welcome the Paralympians on their return from Rio, and lined the streets during their celebratory parade.
“Our Paralympians have certainly become our nation’s sporting heroes, and I believe they will continue to inspire many more Singaporeans in time to come,” she said.
Jalan Besar MP Denise Phua thanked the Paralympians “for showing us the power of the human spirit”.
“You face greater challenges than typical athletes and deserve recognition similar to or even beyond them. From you, we learnt the lessons of mental toughness, true grit, optimism and self-control,” she said.
