(Issued by Singapore National Paralympic Council)
SINGAPORE FLAG FLIES HIGH AT OLYMPIC STADIUM AS TOKYO 2020 PARALYMPIC GAMES DECLARED OPEN
• 10 athletes across 6 sports will represent Singapore at the 16th
Summer Paralympic Games
• Muhammad Diroy Bin Noordin was Team Singapore’s flag bearer
• Equestrienne Laurentia Tan was selected as a Paralympic flag
bearer
The Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games were officially declared open at the Olympic Stadium, with more than 4,400 athletes due to compete in 539 events across 22 sports hosted at 21 venues. Singapore will be represented by 10 athletes across 6 sports, 4 of whom are making their Paralympic debut.
Singapore’s total contingent size at the Games is 41.
A contingent of 10, led by Team Singapore’s flag bearer Mr Muhammad Diroy Bin Noordin, marched out at the Olympic Stadium decked in red, at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games Opening Ceremony. Amongst those who were involved in the spectacle were powerlifter Nur ‘Aini Binte Mohamad Yasli, swimmer Toh Wei Soong, and seven Team Singapore officials, including Chef De Mission Ms Shirley Low.
"It was an honour for me to stand tall at the Olympic Stadium and to hold our country's flag. While I was a bit nervous, I focused on consistency and ensured our flag flew high. I hope that my involvement as flag bearer has created more awareness of the Paralympic movement and brought pride to Singapore," said Mr Muhammad Diroy Bin Noordin.
"We are finally here, arriving at the starting block. I have encouraged all the athletes to take a moment to reflect and know that they are participating in something truly memorable. I would like to call on all Singaporeans to support our athletes through their encouragement and positivity. Our athletes carry the dreams of our nation and I believe sport has the power to unite. I am proud of our athletes for flying our Singapore flag high," said Ms Low.
Another proud moment for Team Singapore saw equestrienne Ms Laurentia Tan, representing Asia as a flag bearer of the Paralympic flag. Ms Tan was nominated by the Asian Paralympic Committee and carried the Paralympic flag alongside five selected flag bearers from other regions, and a flag bearer from the host nation.
"I am proud for my country Singapore, to be chosen to represent Asia to increase disability awareness and spread social inclusivity through the International Paralympic Committee to the world at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games and beyond,” said Ms Tan, who is making her fourth Paralympic appearance at the Games.
The 16th edition of the Paralympic Games is from 24 Aug to 5 Sep 2021. For all coverage and news of the Republic's national athletes who're competing at the Games, check out the official Team Singapore Tokyo 2020 website.
Show your support for Team Singapore in the Paralympic Games!
Team Singapore athletes have worked hard to qualify for the Paralympics despite the challenges placed in front of them by the pandemic. They've trained relentlessly, all while adapting to the different safety measures throughout their journey, to ensure that they can represent our flag in Tokyo.