Para sports: Yip and Goh awarded for Rio Paralympic achievements

SINGAPORE - Para-swimmers Yip Pin Xiu and Theresa Goh received their monetary awards on Wednesday at the Athletes' Achievement Awards (AAA) reception for winning two golds and a bronze medal respectively at the Rio Paralympic Games.

Yip, 24, was awarded $400,000 in total ($200,000 each for a gold medal) for her triumph in the S2 50m and 100m swimming events, smashing two world records in the process.

Goh, 29, received $50,000 for earning her first Paralympic medal - a bronze in the SB4 100m breaststroke competition - in her fourth Games.

The AAA is funded by the Tote Board.

At the awards reception held at Suntec City. Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Grace Fu praised Yip and Goh for their Rio achievements.

Fu said: "Pin Xiu, your journey to the top exemplifies the power of sport. It goes beyond winning medals and breaking records. You showed us how you have overcome your personal challenges with hard work and determination.

"Although a Paralympic medal eluded her in the past, she (Goh) never gave up. In Rio, Theresa won her first Paralympic medal in the SB4 100m breaststroke event. This medal is certainly well deserved for her hard work and perseverance through the years."

While the pair contributed towards Singapore's best-ever showing at the Paralympic Games, they were joined by some of the rest of the 13-strong Rio contingent, including boccia player Nurulasyiqah Mohammad Taha, long jumper Suhairi Suhani, equestrian riders Gemma Rose Foo and Maximillian Tan, wheelchair racer Norsilawati Sa'at, at the dinner reception attended by close to 100 guests.