Para sports has been gaining much momentum and recognition in Singapore. Local para-athlete Zac Leow, who sustained injuries to his spinal cord following a bicycle accident, has certainly felt the increasing support from society, meeting people on the streets who recognise him for his achievements in competitive track and field.
The Singapore Disability Sports Council (SDSC) has been constantly pushing for more participation and excellence in para sports, and their efforts paid off as medals hit a historic high in the 2015 Games.
Not only has the success helped to raise awareness towards the local para sports scene, it has also motivated the athletes to better themselves, especially after seeing the great efforts other athletes put in to excel.
“Personally for me, I was very motivated [by para-swimmer Pin Xiu’s] World Record swim. She swam with people three classes above her when she attained that record and removed the negative thoughts out of myself to believe that I can do anything.”
And Zac did prove that he, too, can succeed, taking home the coveted position of silver medallist.
Before returning to Australia to resume his education, Zac had the opportunity to be the first para athlete to stay in the Altitude House, a high performance training facility designed by the Singapore Sports Institute (SSI). Staying at the Altitude House allowed Zac to experience living the life of a full-time athlete. It also afforded Zac the chance to train with some of Singapore’s best athletes, including SEA Games medallists Dipna Lim and Soh Rui Yong.
Living among great athletes, coupled with the advanced sports science equipment in the Altitude House, has also given Zac the opportunity to develop into a better athlete, both psychologically and physiologically. In just a month, Zac has seen improved timings. Being a sports science student himself, Zac has a sense of pride seeing the leaps Singapore has taken to support and improve the local sports community.
“I am really proud to know the set-up and equipment Singapore has. We are progressing well in terms of sports and sports science and I am glad to be at the receiving end of such progression.”
The accomplishments of Singapore’s para athletes has definitely illuminated how para sports are equally important as able-bodied sports, and para athletes like Zac will continue to propel the local para sports scene on an international platform.
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