Prime Minister Lawrence Wong highlighted Singapore’s commitment to para sport, disability support and building a more inclusive society.
Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong launched Singapore’s inaugural Paralympic Day at East Coast Park on 29 August 2026, highlighting the contributions of para-athletes and the importance of creating greater opportunities for persons with disabilities. He said the occasion marked another step in Singapore’s efforts to build a more inclusive society through stronger support in sports, employment and the wider community.
Speaking at the event, PM Wong recognised the grit, courage and determination demonstrated by Singapore’s para-athletes, describing these qualities as central to the Paralympic Movement. “These qualities are at the heart of the Paralympic Movement,” he said, adding that they also reflected Singapore’s broader aspiration to ensure that everyone was respected, valued and given opportunities to contribute.
PM Wong said Paralympic Day represented more than a celebration of sporting achievements, noting that it was “another step forward in our journey towards a more inclusive Singapore.” He highlighted progress made over the years in strengthening support for persons with disabilities and said the Government intended to further expand assistance across different areas of society.
Referring to his recent National Day Rally remarks on support for families, PM Wong said government assistance was intended to reach different groups, including seniors, singles and persons with disabilities. He noted that an inter-agency taskforce led by Senior Minister of State Goh Pei Ming had been working on further measures and was expected to present recommendations later in 2026.
The recommendations were expected to cover areas including the transition from school to employment, employment opportunities for persons with disabilities and stronger community support. He said these measures would form part of wider efforts to provide greater opportunities and support for persons with disabilities.
In para sport, PM Wong said Singapore had continued to invest in facilities, coaching and opportunities for athletes to participate, train and compete at higher levels. He also acknowledged the contributions of the Singapore National Paralympic Council, sports associations, coaches, officials, volunteers, families and sponsors in supporting the development of para sport.
He placed particular emphasis on the role of para-athletes in challenging assumptions about disability and demonstrating what could be achieved through discipline, courage and perseverance. “Through your discipline, courage and perseverance, you have challenged assumptions, and shown us what is possible, and made Singapore proud,” he said.
He also extended his support to Singaporean athletes preparing for the Asian Para Games in Japan later in 2026, encouraging them to give their best and assuring them that Singapore would be supporting them throughout the competition.
Addressing the broader issue of inclusion, PM Wong said progress could not be achieved through government policies alone. “Ultimately, inclusion is not achieved by policies alone. It is built through the choices we make every day,” he said, calling on Singaporeans to recognise individual abilities and provide everyone with a fair opportunity to contribute.
The inaugural Paralympic Day also featured a Walkathon, which he said symbolised the collective effort required to build an inclusive society. “Together, we walk as one people and move forward as one united Singapore,” he said.
The event concluded with PM Wong calling for continued collective efforts to strengthen inclusion across Singapore. The Government’s upcoming taskforce recommendations and continued development of para sport were expected to support further progress in providing opportunities for persons with disabilities.
Source: PMO
