In brief: Team S'pore get Dr Tan's blessings

Team S'pore get Dr Tan's blessings

President Tony Tan Keng Yam took to Facebook to wish Singapore's para-athletes well yesterday.

He wrote: "Sports is about ability, not disability. The Games epitomises this by empowering our Paralympians to achieve sporting excellence and inspire the world. I am particularly proud of our Team Singapore athletes for exemplifying the Paralympic values of courage, determination, inspiration and equality in preparing for the Games. They have shown tremendous grit, perseverance and discipline in overcoming various physical disabilities to hone their skills in their chosen sport, in order to perform at the highest level. An inspiration to all of us indeed!

"I wish them... all the best. Singapore and all Singaporeans are rooting for you."

Singapore has sent 13 athletes to Rio. They are competing in six sports - archery, athletics, boccia, equestrian, sailing and swimming.


British para chief denies cheating

LONDON • The chief executive of the British Paralympic Association has denied there have been any attempts to cheat the system by ParalympicsGB's squad in Rio, despite concerns some track and field athletes will be competing against competitors who are significantly more impaired.

Tim Hollingsworth responded to criticism by saying that every British athlete had undergone stringent medical checks to ensure they are in the right classification.

THE GUARDIAN


Nike, Adidas decried for shoe bias

LONDON • Hannah Cockroft has accused the world's two leading sportswear brands of discrimination after claiming she does not have a kit sponsor because she does not wear shoes during her wheelchair races.

The 24-year-old, who has cerebral palsy and is expected to be one of the stars in Rio after winning two golds at London 2012, is the dominant figure in her sport. But she said Adidas and Nike have cited her inability to use their footwear in competition to justify not sponsoring her.

THE GUARDIAN

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on September 08, 2016, with the headline In brief: Team S'pore get Dr Tan's blessings. Subscribe