Singapore’s para athletes who win medals will receive double the cash awards when they win medals at major games, at least until the 2024 Paris Olympics.
But the amounts are still not on par with able-bodied athletes who win medals at major Games like the Olympics, who can earn up to $1 million for a gold medal at the Olympics.
On 16 October, the Singapore National Paralympic Council (SNPC) announced that DBS Bank will be supporting the SNPC’s Athletes Achievement Awards (AAA) through the provision of cash awards for medals won by Singaporean athletes at major para games.
DBS Bank comes on board alongside primary sponsor Tote Board, and will match Tote Board’s sponsorship of the AAA through to the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games.
Swimmer Yip Pin Xiu, for her efforts at the recent Tokyo Paralympics, received $800,000 for her double gold medal feat.
Yip, who won two gold medals in the Women’s 50m Backstroke – S2 and the Women’s 100m Backstroke – S2 at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, was presented with two cheques amounting to $800,000.
“Representing Singapore at the highest level is a privilege and to have won two gold medals at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games is testament to the hard work that the team and I have put in.
“I am glad that Singapore is taking active steps towards achieving parity for the cash quantum and this is a step in the right direction.
“I have set my eyes on the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games and will continue to train hard,” she said.
The AAA is awarded to outstanding para athletes who have excelled and medalled at the major para games.
The award is given out in recognition of the athletes’ achievement and celebrates their commitment, discipline and passion to training and competing at the highest level for Singapore.
Organised by the SNPC, the 2021 Athletes Achievement Awards & Appreciation Ceremony celebrated the achievements of the Team Singapore contingent for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.
The ceremony was attended by Edwin Tong, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth & Second Minister for Law, and attended by athletes, officials and key stakeholders and supporters.
“SNPC has made great strides in their efforts to enhance the rewards for para athletes in major games and I encourage more well-wishers and donors to support their cause, and become our partners in sport.
“The Government is committed to working with our stakeholders to make disability sports accessible, encourage more participation, and foster an inclusive society where people of all abilities could experience, play, and excel in sports,” said Mr Edwin Tong, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth & Second Minister for Law.
Added DBS Singapore Group Executive and Country Head Shee Tse Koon, “The Singapore Paralympians are a true inspiration.
“So when SNPC approached DBS recently to ask if we would consider sponsoring the AAA, we readily agreed.
“All of us can do our part to create a more inclusive Singapore.
“As a Singapore brand, we also believe in supporting and nurturing homegrown talent.
“In addition, Singapore’s para athletes exemplify a strong sense of purpose, passion and excellence – values that all of us in Team DBS share. It is our privilege to come alongside them in their journey, and to celebrate their hard-fought and well-deserved achievements.”
Team Singapore put on a remarkable showing at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, marking Singapore’s 9th time participating at the Paralympic Games with two gold medals won by Yip.
Main Photo: Sport Singapore file