The Singapore Disability Sports Council (SDSC) is sending a contingent of seven para athletes to compete across four para-sports at the World Abilitysport Games (WAG), to be held from 1 to 9 December in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.
The World Abilitysport Games (WAG) 2023, a combination of two previous world events, is the first international competition to be held after the merger of the International Wheelchair and Amputee Sports Federation (IWAS) and the Cerebral Palsy International Sports and Recreation Association (CPISRA) in April 2023.
11 sports will be featured in this inaugural edition – para archery, para athletics, para badminton, para cycling, para powerlifting, shooting para sport, para snooker, para swimming, para table tennis, para rowing and wheelchair fencing.
E-sports, takraw, para canoe and petanque will also be featured as demonstration sports.
Singapore’s para athletes, ranging from ages 15 to 64, will compete in four of the 11 medal sports – para cycling, para powerlifting, shooting para sport and para table tennis.
64-year-old para powerlifter Kalai Vanen (photo below) said, “The World Abilitysport Games presents an opportunity for me to be a role model, showcasing that individuals with disabilities or senior citizens can remain active and competitive, even in later stages of life.
“Para powerlifting has played a defining role in shaping my mental and physical well-being.
“Competing at an international level is the culmination of rigorous training and preparation, exemplifying the dedication and commitment that this sport embodies.”
Youngest in the team, 15-year-old Surya Mohan JHA, added, “The World Abilitysport Games is a prominent and large global competition.
“This will help sharpen my big game temperament in the global arena.
“I am grateful to be shooting to try to win a medal for Singapore.”
Chef de Mission and former Paralympic medalist, Theresa Goh will lead the contingent at the World Ability Games.
“I can’t believe it’s been 20 years since my first time participating at the IWAS Games in 2003,” she said.
“I remember being a 16-year-old at the Games when it was still called IWAS, and now I’m excited to take on the role of CDM for this first World Abilitysport Games and to lead this group of passionate young athletes to their next milestone.”
Goh’s best performance at the IWAS Games was in 2007, when she won three gold, three silver and one bronze medals for Singapore, and attained two personal bests.
MAIN PHOTO: SNPC