'See ability before disability': PM Wong launches Singapore's inaugural Paralympic Day

The Government plans to do more to build a society where everyone is respected, valued and given the chance to contribute, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong at Singapore's inaugural Paralympic Day on Saturday (Aug 29).

Speaking at the launch event at East Coast Park, Wong urged Singaporeans to "see ability before disability" and said inclusion goes beyond government policies.

"Ultimately, inclusion is not achieved by policies alone. It is built through the choices we make every day, whether we see ability before disability, recognise what every person can contribute, and give everyone a fair chance to do so," he said.

More than 3,000 participants, including persons with disabilities, families, schools, corporate partners and community organisations, turned up for the event alongside Team Singapore para-athletes. 

A key highlight was a 3km Paralympic Walkathon flagged off by Wong ahead of the 5th Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, in October.

Acknowledging the grit, courage and determination of Singapore's para-athletes, PM Wong said that these qualities are at the heart of the Paralympic Movement and remind Singaporeans to give everyone the chance to realise their potential.

"And to become the best possible version of ourselves," he added.

Beyond sports, the prime minister said these values also reflect the kind of society that the Government wants to build — a more inclusive Singapore.

"One where everyone is respected, valued, and given the chance to contribute."

Reflecting on Singapore's journey towards greater inclusion, PM Wong said the country has made good progress over the years, including through stronger support for persons with disabilities.

He added that Singapore has also invested steadily in better facilities, coaching and opportunities in para sport, so that more people can participate in sports and more athletes can train and compete at the highest levels.

But the Government has plans to do more, he said, emphasising that this goes beyond plans to support families and children which he announced at the National Day Rally on Aug 23.

"I have made very clear that when we support families, it is more than just support for parents with young children. 

"We are supporting all types of families. We are also doing more for seniors, we are doing more for singles, and importantly, we are doing more for persons with disabilities," PM Wong said.

Providing an update on the progress by the taskforce on assurance for families with persons with disabilities led by Senior Minister of State Goh Pei Ming, the prime minister stated that the taskforce will share their recommendations later this year.

These will include measures to strengthen school-to-work transitions, expand employment opportunities for persons with disabilities and provide stronger community support, he said.

However, PM Wong stressed that inclusion cannot be achieved by policies alone and must also be built through the choices Singaporeans make every day.

"Every Singaporean has a part to play in this," he said.

"We may move and walk in different ways and at different speeds. But together, we walk as one people and move forward as one united Singapore."

@asiaone Speaking at the launch of the inaugural Paralympic Day held at East Coast Park on Saturday (Aug 29), PM Lawrence Wong reiterated the Government's commitment to building a more inclusive Singapore. #sgnews #Singapore #Society #Community #Paralympics ♬ original sound - AsiaOne

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