SINGAPORE - Singapore's Asean Para Games gold medallists were honoured on Wednesday evening at the Athletes' Achievement Awards Reception, held at the Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Athletes were awarded $2,000 for each individual gold medal, up to the third gold. The sum for each team gold was $3,000. Swimmers are traditionally the biggest earners, and it was no different this time. Theresa Goh, Toh Wei Soong and Benson Tan, who finished with five, four and three golds respectively, pocketed $6,000 each.
In all, 18 members of Singapore's contingent of 154 athletes were rewarded for their gold-tinted efforts at the reception, attended by Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Grace Fu. Singapore finished with 24 golds, 17 silvers, and 22 bronzes at the biennial meet.
The award ceremony, which doubled up as an appreciation dinner, was also the first time the para athletes and officials have come together since last month's Asean Para Games, which Singapore hosted for the first time, and hugs and handshakes were in order as acquaintances were rekindled.
Ms Fu hailed the athletes for inspiring Singaporeans with their efforts at the meet. She added: "But more than medals or records, I hope that the Asean Para Games will help to spur greater sports participation among those with disabilities... I hope more Singaporeans from all walks of life will take up sport and enjoy the benefits it brings."
