S'pore to host 8th Asean Para Games in 2015

Singapore will be hosting its first Asean Para Games in December, 2015.

Around 10 to 12 sports have been shortlisted from 24 on the Asean Paralympic Sport Federation list for the 8th Asean Para Games.

The Singapore National Paralympic Council, the Singapore Disability Sports Council, the Singapore Sports Council, and the 8th ASEAN Para Games Organising Committee (APGOC) are in the midst of finalising the competition dates and number of sports.

This sporting event is expected to involve some 1,300 athletes and over 500 team officials across the region, according to a joint statement issued to the media today.

On Jan 20, a group of performers will put up a four-and-a-half minute performance in Naypyidaw, Myanmar at the closing ceremony of the 7th Asean Para Games, as part of the handover of the Games to Singapore.

Executive committee chairman of the 8th APGOC, Lim Teck Yin said: "One of the key thrusts of Vision 2030 is to have sports without boundaries and disability sport plays an important role in creating an inclusive society.

"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."

The Games will also offer Singaporeans an opportunity to catch several of the nation's Paralympians in action.

"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," said Mr Lim.

klim@sph.com.sg