SINGAPORE — Security measures for the 8th ASEAN Para Games (APG), which will be held in Singapore next month (December 3-9), will be stepped up, said Grace Fu, the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth today (Nov 14), in the wake of the terrorist attacks in Paris that have killed at least 120 people.

Ms Fu was speaking at the One Team Singapore Rally and the formal flag presentation ceremony at the Marina Bay Sands this evening, which was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean.

“Security measures have always been an important part of our planning aspect,” said Ms Fu.

“Of course, with the recent event, we will see how we can step up (security by) working closely with the security agencies. But besides relying on security agencies, it is also important for us as a community to be alert.

“We can do a lot… to be on the lookout for one another, and make sure we should also sound an alert if things are not quite right.

“At the same time, we should also be prepared that should an event happen, we should stand ready, unite ourselves, be calm, and show that as a society, we are strong and united.”

Earlier today, Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam said in a statement that the Republic has raised its alert level and stepped up security measures and border checks following the tragedy at Paris.

More than 3,000 athletes from 11 countries - including 157 from Singapore - will be taking part in this year’s APG.

This evening’s carnival at Marina Bay Sands drew close to 8,000 people who were treated to demonstrations of selected para sports, and live performances. They also penned down their well-wishes for Team Singapore’s 157-strong contingent that will be taking part in the Para Games. The Singapore Disability Sports Council’s annual 2km Reindeer Walk-a-Wheelathon also took place with much buzz.

National para-swimmer Yip Pin Xiu, Singapore’s first Paralympics gold medallist, was also unveiled as the contingent’s flag bearer today. Para bowler Thomas Yong will be the official pledge taker.

“I am very honoured to be the flag bearer, especially with the Games being held in Singapore,” said Yip who won a gold in the S3 50m backstroke at the 2008 Beijing Paralympics.

“It will be a very different experience (to taking gold at the Paralympics). For that, it was knowing that all my sacrifices, and my team’s sacrifices had paid off, and we made history.

“This is also making history. On the stage (receiving the national flag from chef-de-mission Raja Singh), I was very emotional when I saw this entire place brimming with Singaporeans wearing red and coming down to show their support. It was really, really nice. I have not seen that before in my 11 years of competitive swimming. It was a change, and it is something I will always remember that they got our backs.”

Meanwhile, Singh said that all concerns regarding the transportation for athletes for the APG next moth were sorted out at a recent briefing for the athletes and officials.

The team managers of all the 15 sports have to report back on the preferred mode of transport for their team, said Singh, as the athletes are not advised to travel individually.

“We have addressed all issues, and the transport issue has been specifically spoken, and they all know what are the options available,” he said.

“They have a choice, but as the CDM of the contingent, I have made my point very clearly to all the team managers and the coaches that they travel in teams, by sport. So at least, there is a good control of things. So the team manager and the coach will make a decision on that, and we will follow up on that.

“If there is any issue, we will go through our protocols, and make sure everyone is very clear. I have a strong group of team managers who know what the team needs to function, to perform, and bring glory to the athletes.”