Singapore is being represented by 13 youth para athletes across four sports at the Bahrain 2021 Asian Youth Para Games (AYPG) which has been officially declared open at the Bahrain International Circuit, with more than 800 athletes across 32 nations competing in nine sports.
10 Singapore athletes are making their debut in a major games.
Led by Team Singapore’s flag bearer Mr Aloysius Gan, Team Singapore marched out at the Bahrain International Circuit donning Singapore’s national colours of red and white, as part of the Bahrain 2021 AYPG Opening Ceremony.
Gan was accompanied by his father and athlete competition partner, Gan Keng Aik.
“I am so happy to be able to hold our country’s flag high.
“I hope that I have made my family, friends, school and country proud.
“All the hard work and training over the years is worth it. I am looking forward to the next few days of competition,” he said.
“Getting to know our youth para athletes and their stories of resilience, reminds me of my own journey as an athlete and I am heartened that the next generation is stepping up to take the baton to be trailblazers for disability sports in Singapore,” said Theresa Goh, chef de mission of the Team Singapore contingent for the Bahrain 2021 AYPG.
“I have encouraged the athletes to do their best and also to cherish the experience and to make new friends and create long lasting memories.
“Our youth para athletes dare to dream and I hope Singaporeans can support our sporting dreams and cheer Team Singapore on.
I am proud to be alongside them as they do their best for themselves and for their country,” she added.
Earlier in the day, Gan was the first Singaporean in action at the Bahrain 2021 AYPG in the Boccia BC3 Men’s Individual Event.
He lost to his South Korean opponent Sion Jeong by 4-3.
Trailing 2-0 going into the third end before he scored 3 points to take a 3-2 lead into the fourth end, and hewas eventually edged out 4-3.
“It was a tight game against my opponent,” said Gan.
“We initially trailed but we managed to come back in the third end.
“In the fourth end, we made a mistake and we lost a close match. It is a very good start to the competition and we are prepared for the next two pool games.
“I was very happy to have Singaporeans cheer us on.”
This is Team Singapore’s second largest contingent to the AYPG, behind the Dubai 2017 AYPG, where Singapore was represented by 28 athletes across five sports.
Team Singapore took home a record total of 18 medals (five gold, six silver and seven bronze) at the Dubai 2017 AYPG.
Photos: Singapore National Paralympic Council