SINGAPORE - Team Singapore has achieved a record number of medals won at an away Asean Para Games (APG) with the final medal tally on Saturday (Sept 23), the last day of the Kuala Lumpur edition, standing at 50 (nine golds, 17 silvers and 24 bronzes) medals.
The previous record was 37 (16-10-11) accomplished at the inaugural edition in 2001 held also in Kuala Lumpur.
"The focus of this Games has been to strengthen our base of athletes and I am happy that most of our debutants medalled," said Kevin Wong, chairman of the Singapore National Paralympic Council and president of the Singapore Disability Sports Council.
"It has been our aim to provide more opportunities for our athletes to gain more experience by fielding them at major games like the Asean Para Games; and they have done well. This reflects the healthy growth of disability sports in Singapore.
"Our senior athletes also continue to lead the way with Theresa Goh and Jason Chee winning gold and embodying the determination and fighting spirit that was so evident among of all members of this contingent."
Para-cycling (1-5-8) and swimming (4-7-3) contributed 14 medals each while tenpin bowling (2-1-5) was another standout performer.
Para-cycling tandem pair Emily Lee, who competed in goalball at the last APG in Singapore in 2015, and pilot Sarah Tan were the most successful athletes, winning five medals.
They won gold in the women's individual time trial (B), three silvers in the 3,000m individual pursuit (B), sprint (B) and road race (B), and a bronze in the kilometre (B).
The Republic's 90-member team in Malaysia was the country's largest contingent sent for an overseas APG.
Chef de mission Shirley Low said: "Our athletes have performed well at the 9th Asean Para Games in the face of tough competition. They will continue to grow, improve and strive for excellence.
"The achievements of Asean para-athletes during the Paralympics Games in Rio 2016 is proof that para-athletes from this region are of world class standing. There are now more para-athletes who have become role models to people from all walks of life.
"As they continue to inspire us with their discipline and determination, we should spread awareness and the need to break down social barriers against people with impairment."
