6th ASEAN Para Games Send-Off Ceremony

By Prasad s/o Selvaraju

The Team Singapore Para-Athlete contingent of 33 athletes and 24 officials, have arrived in Solo, Indonesia for the 6th ASEAN Para Games Indonesia 2011. The biennial sporting event for the disabled takes place from 12-20 December and 11 countries will participate, including East Timor.

The para-athletes will represent Singapore in five sports namely; Athletics, Badminton, Swimming, Table Tennis and Tenpin Bowling.

Jubilant Send-Off

The para-athletes were given a rousing send-off by Team Singapore cheerleaders, supporters and well-wishers, including Guest-of-Honour, Acting Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports Chan Chun Sing at the Official Send-off for Team Singapore to the SEA Games at Changi Airport’s Terminal Two.

There was another pleasant surprise before the contingent’s departure, as the Singapore contingent got together to celebrate Tenpin Bowler, Muhammad Anuar’s 50th Birthday.

After the jubilant celebrations and photo-taking sessions, the Singapore contingent went through the gates with big smiles to embark on their exciting journey to the Games.

Words of Encouragement

Singapore is being led by Chef-de-Mission, Mr Eng Tian Hwee, told the para-athletes, “You have gone through tough challenges and difficulties at the Games. I am sure that with your strong perseverance and determination, you can bring back the medals you seek. With best wishes to Team Singapore for a rewarding ASEAN Para Games experience.”

Strong Contender

National Flag Bearer, Muhammad Firdaus Bin Nordin will be flying the Singapore flag high and leading the troop, during the Opening Ceremony on the 15 of December.

Firdaus, who swept a hat-trick of gold medals in the 2010 German National Athletics Meet said, “The Spirit of Singapore is just awesome. Although our country is just one tiny little red dot on this planet, our enthusiasm and spirit as one nation is just incomparable to others."

In the previous edition of the Games, Singapore finished 6th out of 11 nations and achieved 22 medals of 14 Gold, 5 Silver, 3 Bronze. This time round, Team Singapore will be looking forward to exceed all expectations and succeed at the Games.

For more photos and information please visit, http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.305524382804108.72105.154634817893066&type=1 & http://www.paragames-2011.com/en/