Singapore National Paralympic Council Launches Inaugural Paralympic Day to Advance Inclusion Through Para Sport

Singapore, August 29, 2026

The Singapore National Paralympic Council (SNPC) launched Singapore's inaugural Paralympic Day at Angsana Green, East Coast Park, marking a significant milestone in advancing the Paralympic Movement and disability inclusion through sport in Singapore.

A key highlight was the 3-kilometre Paralympic Walkathon, flagged off by the Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Mr Lawrence Wong. More than 3,000 participants, including persons with disabilities, families, schools, corporate partners and community organisations, walked alongside Team Singapore para athletes. The strong turnout reflected the spirit of moving forward together as one community while rallying support for the contingent ahead of the 5th Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya in October 2026.

Celebrated around the world, Paralympic Day promotes the Paralympic values of courage, determination, inspiration and equality. Through this inaugural edition, SNPC sought to raise awareness of para sport, highlight the achievements and capabilities of persons with disabilities, and encourage greater participation in sport among people of all abilities.

The event was attended by Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth & Ministry of Trade and Industry, Ms Low Yen Ling; Ambassador of Japan to Singapore, His Excellency Mr Hiroshi Ishikawa; Mayor of South East District, Minister of State, Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth & Ministry of Manpower, and Adviser to East Coast GRC Grassroots Organisations (Bedok), Mr Dinesh Vasu Dash; and Minister for Law, Second Minister for Home Affairs, and Adviser to East Coast GRC Grassroots Organisations (Joo Chiat), Mr Edwin Tong. Their participation underscored the significance of the inaugural occasion and the role of Singapore’s para athletes in inspiring the nation through their resilience, determination and sporting excellence.

Dr Teo-Koh Sock Miang, President of the Singapore National Paralympic Council, highlighted the shared responsibility of building an inclusive society:

Beyond the Walkathon, Paralympic Day featured a vibrant line-up of activities designed to encourage interaction, learning and participation among people of all ages and abilities:

• Para sport tryouts featuring frame running, handcycling, laser shooting and sitting volleyball.
• Interactive and cultural activities such as omamori making and a Japanese-inspired wishing wall to pen messages of support for Team Singapore para athletes.
• Experiential activities including live performances, interactive booths, pony feeding and more.

Through these activities, participants gained a deeper appreciation of para sport while challenging common misconceptions about disability. It also encouraged more persons with disabilities to explore sport as a pathway towards healthier and more active lives, while strengthening understanding and inclusion across the wider community.

Toyota Motor Asia, as the Title Sponsor, reaffirmed its longstanding commitment to supporting the Paralympic Movement and enabling people of all abilities to participate and thrive through sport.

Mr Preston Tan, Vice President, Toyota Asia, remarked: 

Allianz Insurance Singapore, the Main Sponsor, also reiterated its belief in the power of sport to unite communities and create opportunities for people of all abilities.

Anusha Thavarajah, Regional CEO, Allianz Asia Pacific, added:

SNPC extends its deepest appreciation to Toyota Asia, Singapore Pools, Allianz Singapore, Mastercard, People Association, Southeast Community Development Council, as well as the community partners, volunteers, schools, corporate organisations and individuals whose support made Singapore's inaugural Paralympic Day possible.

As Singapore's first Paralympic Day, the event represents the beginning of a long-term commitment to growing the Paralympic Movement and building a more inclusive sporting culture. Aligned with Singapore's refreshed Disability Sports Master Plan, Paralympic Day reflects SNPC’s continued efforts to raising awareness of para sport, encouraging participation among persons with disabilities, and strengthening community support for disability inclusion. Through sport, SNPC remains committed to building a more Singapore where everyone has the opportunity to participate, excel and realise their fullest potential.

The Singapore National Paralympic Council (SNPC) is an Institution of Public Character that supports and empowers Singapore’s para athletes. SNPC is responsible for fielding Singapore teams at major Games, including the ASEAN Para Games, Asian Youth Para Games, Asian Para Games, Commonwealth Games and Paralympic Games. As a member of the International Paralympic Committee, SNPC promotes and protects the Paralympic Movement in Singapore, supports para athletes in achieving sporting excellence, and harnesses the power of para sport to inspire a more inclusive society.