Paris 2024: Flags, signs and snacks essential for Jeralyn Tan's cheer squad

By Nicole Chia

The boccia competition at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games has unlocked several firsts for Jeralyn Tan, who secured Singapore’s first Paralympic boccia medal in the sport by winning a silver on her debut at the Games. For her cousin Lee Su Yi, Tan’s historic feat in Paris has also provided a new experience – watching a boccia match live for the first time.

Jeralyn Tan's cousin, Lee Su Yi with her three-year-old daughter Camille. Lee has watched all of Tan's boccia matches at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Credit: SportSG/Jeremy Lee

Lee is in France visiting her husband’s family, and their trip was planned so that it coincided with the Paris 2024 Games. “My French family here are all supporting our Singapore athletes as well. It’s my first time watching (boccia) live and a lot of us are new to boccia as it’s not a sport that is readily available to watch,” said Lee, who watched all of Jeralyn’s matches at the South Paris Arena with her husband and two young daughters.

Boccia player Jeralyn Tan’s cousin Lee Su Yi (second from left) carrying her three-year-old daughter Camille at Tan’s first match of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Lee’s husband Nicolas Oudin (right) and their five-year-old daughter Lea, as well as Lee’s mother-in-law Karen Oudin (left) were also present. Credit: SportSG/Jeremy Lee

“As we go along, everyone is trying to understand the rules and how you win. But once you learn about the sport and understand a bit more, you learn that it’s really about every move. There is a little strategy involved whether you’re trying to attack, defend, or block someone, and it’s really very fun to watch it live.”

The 35-year-old Tan stays calm and focused in the heat of play, with only rare shouts of joy or frustration breaking through. But for her family in the stands, holding back their emotions is the real challenge. 

Boccia player Jeralyn Tan reacts during the gold medal match of the women's individual BC1 event at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Credit: SportSG/Eng Chin An

Lee, 37, and Tan grew up together and have remained close with weekly family gatherings. Lee has been making post-match calls to their family back in Singapore to give competition updates. “Watching Jeralyn compete is surreal and nerve-racking and inspirational. We’re emotional with every ball throw and there are many moments where we forget to breathe,” she said. “From the stands, it can be hard to see the ball position in the court as there is parallax error sometimes and we’re holding our breath till the referee holds up the score on the paddle. It’s very thrilling; we know the ball has been thrown and we’re waiting for the referee to confirm what we know, and it can be wrong sometimes.”

Five-year-old Lea Oudin, the daughter of Jeralyn Tan's cousin Lee Su Yi, holding up a sign in support of Tan at the women's individual BC1 gold medal match. Credit: SNPC/Dyan Tjhia

The experience of watching her cousin make history has been made even more special for Lee with the presence of her daughters, five-year-old Lea and three-year-old Camille. In addition to banners professing support for Team Singapore, snacks are a staple at these outings to pacify the kids when they get antsy, especially at crucial moments of play.

“I hope they remember this for life, because this is their cousin winning a medal at the Paralympic Games and it doesn’t happen everyday,” said Lee.

Boccia player Jeralyn Tan’s cousin Lee Su Yi (holding up sign) and her family cheering on Tan and her coach Yurnita Omar. Credit: SNPC/Goh Si Wei

Tan’s Paralympic campaign has been a joy to watch, and Lee hopes for boccia to be given a bigger spotlight with her cousin’s remarkable accomplishment. “Everyone is watching a 45-minute match, but she has trained so many hundreds of hours with her coach Yurnita Omar. When we meet up, it’s very common to hear that Jeralyn has won in boccia but unless you watch it, you don’t know how much they had to go through to get a medal,” she added.

“This moment is truly hers and she deserves it. We’re all very proud of her and I feel so excited that so many more people will be asking about boccia after this.”

The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games take place in Paris, France from 28 August to 8 September 2024. For the latest Team Singapore coverage and news, follow Team Singapore on their social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok) or visit the official Team Singapore website.