Singapore's 1st Paralympics Medal!

Singapore's got her first Paralympics Medal!! A bronze medal but no less pride goes into it.

There had been so much talk around the Olympics as it happened, but how many actually realised that the Paralympics is taking place and actually is interested in knowing the results? I think the Paralympics sportmen actually deserve as much respect, if not more, than those who represent the country for Olympics. But I've come to know that if the Paralympics sportmen win a Gold for Singapore, they'll only be getting $100,000. That's just a mere 10% of the amount for a Gold in Olympics!!!

Paralympics sportsmen have to face even more difficulties while training hard to represent the country. Their disability probably already cost them a bomb to treat, plus the money to be spent to allow them to continue training, the kind of effort they have to out in for everyday activities, much less into training, stretching themselves.

Our first Paralympics medal came from Equestrian, from 29 year-old Laurentia Tan, who suffers from cerebal palsy and is profoundly deaf. I felt so touched when I heard her soundbite, proudly saying "I'm proud to win a medal for Singapore." It was only 8 words, 4 seconds of speech and even slightly muffled but it showed all the more effort she had put into this sport that she loved.

And she does have other achievements as well. Laurentia is a university graduate and is working as a mental health worker in London where she is based. Goes to show so much that persons with physical disability can well achieve more than what you and me could.

Well, I supposed she came from a privileged background which provided her a chance to achieve her potential. But I think what they really need is a platform to show that they can contribute duly to society.

Incidentally, I saw a local documentary today on the profile of a cerebal palsy patient. She was not as fortunate as Laurentia. She lost her mum when she was 12, her dad left her and she was sent to a home when her grandma could not longer take care of her. Her biggest wish in life was to be a useful person, to contribute to society and she finally found her calling in art. She went on to paint many master pieces which helped raised a lot of money for the home.

They all yearn for a platform to make themselves useful, to contribute to society. But as able people, does the idea of contributing to society even come as naturally as it does to them?