Inclusive, Independent, Integrated
Para-Swimming and our mission
We believe in equal opportunities amongst swimmers of all abilities. Our para-swimming programme offers opportunities for individuals with disabilities to not only swim but participate in competitive swimming. Our inclusive competitive swimming programme allows them to swim alongside their able-bodied squadmates after they have met a given criteria, relative to their disability. We want to instil the same flare and drive that is found in competitive swimming. Our swimming programme seeks to be inclusive to all individuals, and develop them to their fullest potential. We believe in the strength and independence of people with disabilities and we want to give them an opportunity to let their voices be heard.
Empowerment through independence. Our ultimate goal is to integrate able-bodied swimmers with para-swimmers. We wish for all our swimmers to see one another not as the "disabled", but as the "person". Equality through integration. These are the three Is in our mission to promote para-swimming: Inclusive, Independent, Integrated.
Our Athletes
Wong Zhi Wei
Wong Zhi Wei is a 16 year old national para-swimmer. He has represented Singapore in multiple regional and international swimming competitions. He has also won several medals at these major games. Zhi Wei swims in the S13 class, the class of individuals with the least severe visual impairment.
At the ASEAN Para Games in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Zhi Wei won one silver and one bronze in the Men's S13 100m Freestyle and the Men's S13 50m Freestyle respectively. This was his debut as a national athlete representing Singapore at a major games.
In the same year, Zhi Wei travelled to Dubai in December for the Asian Youth Para Games. He won 3 Golds in the Men's S13 100m Butterfly, 400m Freestyle and 100m Freestyle. He won an additional 2 Silvers in the Men's S13 100m Backstroke and 100m Breastroke, becoming the most bemedalled athlete at the games.
Currently. Zhi Wei is training for the upcoming Asian Para Games held in Jakarta, Indonesia in October. He hopes that he can eventually qualify for the 2020 Paralympics in Tokyo.