Warm Welcome for Singapore’s Paris Paralympics team; open-top bus parade on Sept 14
Team Singapore’s 10-member contingent was warmly welcomed by a crowd of about 100 as they arrived at Changi Airport Terminal 3 on Sept 10. The group was greeted with the familiar chorus of the National Day song Home. Most of the crowd consisted of family and friends, creating a joyful atmosphere as the athletes returned from the Paris Paralympics.
Alongside the crowd were a few dedicated fans, members of the Purple Parade—an initiative supporting the inclusion of people with disabilities—and Team Nila supporters. They sang “This is home truly,” from Kit Chan’s iconic song, as the athletes made their way through the arrival hall just after 6:45 am.
Smiles and a few tears filled the air as the Paralympians returned, ready for a busy week ahead. On Sept 14, they will embark on an open-top bus parade through the heart of the city.
The first to greet the athletes was Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, Edwin Tong. Singapore’s athletes competed across six sports during the Aug 28-Sept 8 Games, bringing home three medals—two golds and one silver. This marked Singapore’s best-ever Paralympic performance.
For context, Singapore’s previous record came at the Rio 2016 Games, where the country earned two golds and a bronze. More recently, in Tokyo, swimmer Yip Pin Xiu secured two gold medals.
Once again, Yip led the charge in Paris, successfully defending her S2 titles in the 50m and 100m backstroke events. This is the third consecutive Games where the 32-year-old has been crowned a double champion. With seven golds and one silver across multiple Paralympics, she remains Singapore’s most decorated para-athlete.
Adding to the nation’s success, Jeralyn Tan secured a silver in boccia on Sept 2, becoming Singapore’s fourth Paralympic medallist, following in the footsteps of Yip, Theresa Goh, and equestrienne Laurentia Tan.
Jeralyn’s family, including her parents, grandmother, aunts, and uncles, arrived at the airport as early as 5:30 am, bringing along her favorite Kueh Lapis. Her father, Rayven, 62, expressed his excitement about welcoming her home. He shared, “She has reached the pinnacle of her sport by competing in the Paralympics. We’re incredibly proud of her, and it’s wonderful to see so many people here supporting the team.”
Yip’s brother Alvin, 39, was also at the airport with his wife and two young sons, aged five and eight. Alvin mentioned how excited his boys were to see their aunt, saying, “They’ve been closely following her progress in the competition, and they’re thrilled to be here today. She’s a true inspiration. Her role in advancing disability sports is highly commendable.”
For those eager to show their support, the public will have a chance to cheer on Singapore’s para-athletes during the open-top bus parade. There are four designated cheer points: Chinatown (in front of People’s Park Complex) at 11:50 am, Orchard Road (at the junction of Orchard and Bideford Road) at 12:10 pm, Serangoon Road (near Tekka Market and Buffalo Road) at 12:30 pm, and Victoria Street (by the mural wall at 8C Jalan Kledek) at 12:40 pm.
This parade echoes the one organized on Aug 14 for Olympic bronze medallist Maximilian Maeder and nine other Olympians. On that occasion, more than 5,000 people gathered at various spots downtown to celebrate the athletes’ achievements.