SINGAPORE — The Singapore para-sports community has welcomed the Race to Rio 2016 scheme (R2R 2016), hailing it as a milestone for local para-athletes who have for years received less monetary support as compared to their able-bodied counterparts.

TODAY had revealed in an exclusive report today (Nov 3) that the multi-million R2R 2016 scheme by sports authorities here provides funding for able-bodied and para-athletes who have qualified, or are trying to qualify for the Olympics or Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro next year.

Only available to athletes who are not under the spexScholarship — a scheme that provides talented athletes with an enhanced level of support — the R2R 2016 programme comprises two components: One for athletes who have qualified for the Olympics or Paralympics and are training full-time; Two: An enhanced programme budget for those who are aiming to qualify.

There are currently more than 10 para-athletes who are bidding to qualify for the 2016 Paralypmic Games. More than half from this group are not spexScholars, according to the Singapore Disability Sports Council (SDSC).

SDSC vice-president Raja Singh, who is also the chef-de-mission of the 166-strong Singapore contingent for the ASEAN Para Games (APG) here next month (Dec 3-9), said the Republic’s maiden hosting of the APG has set the motion for increased awareness of local para-athletes.

“The scheme is a milestone for para-athletes,” said Singh, 53. “In the past, support has been scarce. But we did not complain much, because we are happy enough to get to compete. Compared with able-bodied athletes, we don’t get (the resources and chance) to travel (for overseas competitions and training camps) as much. But now, the message is clear that if you show commitment and aptitude, you will get support. Of course, with more support now, I expect my athletes to step up and excel.”

Teo-Koh Sock Miang, chairman of the Singapore National Paralympic Council said this show of support by local sports authorities is a morale-booster for para-athletes.

“With the increased funds, our athletes will be able to purchase equipment, have centralised training, and use more facilities,” she said.

The athletes, too, are excited at the vast sporting opportunities this scheme can provide them with.

National para-sailor Jovin Tan, for one, said his journey as a para-athlete since 2002 has been lined with challenges.

The 29-year-old is heading to the Disabled Sailing Combined World Championships in Melbourne (Nov 26 – Dec 3), which is the last chance that he and partner, Desiree Lim, can gain qualification for the 2016 Olympics in the Skud 18 class.

“I had to forgo some regattas in the past because of insufficient funds,” he said. “Every boat is tailored to the sailor’s needs, but shipping costs are expensive. Sometimes we would just charter a boat at the competition venue, which puts us at an disadvantage because it is not the ideal boat for us.

“The support that we have financially, including the monetary rewards from previous ASEAN Para Games, is only about 10 to 20 per cent of what the able-bodied athletes are getting at the moment. I hope that, gradually, this gap can be bridged.

“We para-athletes put in the same kind of effort and commitment (in our sport) as the able-bodied athletes, but we tend to spend more than them, because we need extra help.”