Singapore’s Paralympians went on an open-top bus parade through the city on Saturday, 14 September. The journey began at the OCBC Aquatics Centre around 11:30 am, where 100 supporters gathered to cheer the athletes. The parade featured 10 Paralympians, including double Paris Paralympics gold medallist Yip Pin Xiu and boccia silver medallist Jeralyn Tan. The bus passed through four key cheer points: Chinatown, Orchard Road, Serangoon Road, and Victoria Street, where supporters gathered in front of a mural featuring national athletes.
Background
The parade was organised to celebrate the achievements of Singapore’s Paralympians, who concluded their campaign with three medals: two golds and one silver. This event follows a similar bus parade held in August 2024 for Singapore’s Olympians, after Maximilian Maeder secured a bronze medal in the kitefoiling event. The open-top bus parade aimed to bring the community together to honour the athletes’ hard work and success.
Singapore’s Paralympians’ achievements
Singapore’s Paralympics campaign was marked by significant achievements. Yip Pin Xiu won gold medals in the 100m backstroke S2 and 50m backstroke S2, securing these titles for the third consecutive Paralympics. Jeralyn Tan made history by clinching a silver medal in the women’s individual BC1 boccia event, marking Singapore’s first medal in the sport. Tan is the fourth Paralympic medallist from Singapore, joining the ranks of Yip, swimmer Theresa Goh, and equestrian Laurentia Tan. The three medals won in this campaign surpassed the two golds and one bronze achieved at the 2016 Games.
Cheer points and community support
The parade route included several cheer points where supporters gathered to show their appreciation. At Victoria Street, fans assembled in front of a painted mural featuring national athletes, creating a vibrant and supportive atmosphere. The cheer points at Chinatown, Orchard Road, and Serangoon Road also saw enthusiastic crowds, reflecting the community’s pride in the athletes’ accomplishments.
Previous celebrations and future implications
The open-top bus parade for the Paralympians mirrored the celebratory event held for Singapore’s Olympians in August 2024. These parades not only celebrate the athletes’ achievements but also inspire future generations to pursue excellence in sports. The community’s support and the visibility of these events highlight the importance of recognising and celebrating the hard work and dedication of all athletes, regardless of the sport or level of competition.
