Over 160 athletes were named in the Asean Para Games training squad on Saturday, and will be bidding to qualify for the Dec 3-9 meet when it will be held in Singapore for the first time.

Athletes nominated include those from swimming and boccia. Also, for the first time, the Republic will be sending representatives to compete in archery and powerlifting.

Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Lawrence Wong, who was guest of honour at the event on Saturday morning at the Metta School in Simei, encouraged the athletes to do their best to qualify and compete in the Games at home.

He said: "This will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for all of you. The Asean Para Games are also happening during our SG50 celebration, and will be the last major event to wrap up the year-long celebrations. You can be part of the final birthday present for Singapore's 50th birthday."

Singapore Disability Sports Council vice-president Raja Singh, a two-time Paralympian (1988 and 1992), was also appointed chef de mission of the Para Games. It will be the second time the wheelchair racer is taking on the role, after the 2009 Asean Para Games in Kuala Lumpur.

Six para-athletes were also elected to form part of the first Singapore Para Athletes Commission. They are: Jovin Tan (sailing), Khairul Anwar (cerebral palsy football), Yip Pin Xiu (swimming), Tay Wei Ming (badminton), Jason Chee (table tennis), and Nurulasyiqah Taha (boccia).